Name, image and likeness payments have permanently reshaped college football — and many fans would argue it hasn’t been for the better. Critics point to big-money deals that lead to fly-by-night roster moves and power programs “buying rosters” behind the power of big pocketbooks.
While those concerns are valid, there’s another side of NIL that often goes overlooked. Across the country, players are using their newfound income to make a positive impact — creating change that was once only possible for coaches with million-dollar salaries.
Travis Hunter, last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, donated a significant portion of his own money to Colorado’s NIL collective in each of the past two years. By doing so, he helped fund NIL deals for “10 to 15” teammates. Hunter earned his money through endorsement deals – not the collective – and chose to give it back.
Beyond sharing with teammates, athletes are using NIL earnings to support their communities, aid disaster relief efforts and fund charitable causes. Here are just a few high-profile examples of college football players using NIL for good.
The Missouri linebacker is ensuring Pop Warner football and his former prep program in his native Florida gets off on the right foot this season with an $11,000 donation. Wilson said he’s “very passionate” about strengthening the next generation of “Pop Warner kids” and raved about the impact youth football had on his upbringing as a child.
…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/texas-arch-manning-floridas-dj-lagway-among-college-football-players-using-nil-paydays-to-give-back/
Author : Brad Crawford
Publish date : 2025-08-02 13:04:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
