Tennessee football player Rickey Gibson donates money to his high school alma mater.
Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson donated $5,000 to his high school football program in Alabama when he visited the team.
On May 14, Hewitt-Trussville High praised Gibson in a social media post for the gift and his encouraging words to players at his alma mater.
“Really great moment today as 2023 Alumnus @RickeyGibson03 donated back to his high school program and shared a great word with our players. Thank you Rickey and we are super proud of you! @Vol_Football” the Hewitt-Trussville football program posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.The post also included a photo of Gibson wearing UT football apparel and posing with the $5,000 check, surrounded by Hewitt-Trussville coaches and players.
Gibson was a star player and highly touted recruit at Hewitt-Trussville, located about 20 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama. He signed with Tennessee in the 2023 class, choosing the Vols over Georgia, Penn State, Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and Ole Miss.Rickey Gibson went from potential portal loss to leader
Presumably, Gibson’s donation came from money he earned from name, image and likeness deals associated with being a UT player. He has played 25 games over two seasons with Vols. He served as a starter in 2024 and became one of the team’s most reliable defenders.
It was a heartwarming display of generosity as University of Tennessee defensive back Rickey Gibson III made a significant donation to his high school alma mater, Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville, Alabama. Gibson, a sophomore who has become a key player for the Volunteers, presented a $5,000 check to the Hewitt-Trussville football program, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community that fostered his early athletic development.
The donation, reportedly made possible through Gibson’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings, is a tangible example of how college athletes can leverage their success to support the institutions that played a crucial role in their journey. This act of goodwill has resonated deeply within the Hewitt-Trussville community, with the school’s football program expressing their gratitude on social media. They lauded Gibson not only for his financial contribution but also for taking the time to speak with current players, offering encouragement and sharing his experiences.
Gibson’s connection to Hewitt-Trussville runs deep. He was a standout player for the Huskies, earning a four-star recruiting ranking and garnering attention from numerous Southeastern Conference (SEC) programs before ultimately choosing Tennessee. His decision to give back highlights the strong ties he maintains with his hometown and the high school program that laid his foundation.
This gesture is part of a growing trend of college athletes utilizing their NIL earnings to support their former high schools and local communities. It underscores the potential for NIL to not only benefit the athletes themselves but also to create positive impacts on the institutions and communities that supported their rise. Gibson’s contribution serves as an inspiring example for young athletes, demonstrating the importance of remembering their roots and using their platform to make a difference.
For Hewitt-Trussville, Gibson’s donation will undoubtedly provide a boost to their football program, allowing them to invest in resources that will benefit current and future players. More importantly, Gibson’s actions serve as a powerful message of gratitude and community spirit, leaving a lasting impression on the young athletes who now walk the same halls he once did. His name will not only be remembered for his achievements on the field at Tennessee but also for his generosity and commitment to his beginnings in Trussville.
