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퐁퐫퐞퐚퐤퐢퐧퐠 퐍퐞퐰퐬: BYU Running Back L.J. Martin Invests $5.6 Million to Transform Utah Mansion into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a bold, unexpected move that’s already making waves across the nation, BYU running back L.J. Martin has reportedly invested $5.6 million of his own NIL earnings and donations to purchase and renovate a 12-bedroom home in Provo, Utah, transforming it into a state-of-the-art transitional shelter for homeless and at-risk youth.
The House of Hope
The new facility, dubbed “The Legacy House”, will include dorm-style living spaces, professional mental health support, academic tutoring centers, and career training rooms — all targeted at youth aged 14–20 who have aged out of foster care or are experiencing chronic housing instability.
Martin, 20, who burst onto the college football scene as a true freshman and became a star in the Big 12, called the initiative “a calling, not a charity.”
> “I know what it’s like to feel unseen, unheard, and uncertain about tomorrow,” Martin said during a press conference at BYU. “Football gave me a platform. Now, I’m using it to give others a future.”
From NIL to Impact
Martin has been one of the most marketable athletes in the Big 12, signing deals with apparel brands, a regional trucking company, and a national mental wellness app. Insiders estimate he’s earned between $6.2 and $7 million through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships since 2023.
Rather than invest in luxury cars or extravagant lifestyles, Martin partnered with a team of social workers, architects, and local charities to develop the Legacy House — located just three miles from LaVell Edwards Stadium.
> “L.J. didn’t just write a check,” said Emily Navarro, a Provo-based youth counselor and consultant for the project. “He’s been in the planning meetings, the zoning reviews — even helping paint the walls.”
Community Reaction
The announcement shocked the college football world — not because of the size of the donation, but because of its depth of purpose. In a sports era increasingly defined by money-first decisions, Martin’s action has inspired coaches, teammates, and fans across the country.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake called the move “the ultimate expression of the BYU mission.”
> “L.J.’s legacy won’t be built just on rushing yards,” Sitake said. “He’s building something eternal.”
National Attention
Social media exploded with praise for Martin, with hashtags like #LegacyOverLuxury and #LJ4Change trending nationally. NFL legends, fellow college athletes, and celebrities shared messages of admiration.
Even President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publicly praised the effort, noting how it aligned with the church’s commitment to caring for the “least of these.”
Looking Ahead
The Legacy House is set to open in March 2026, with a full-time staff of 17 and capacity to serve up to 45 youth at a time. L.J. Martin has pledged to fund its first five years of operation through his ongoing NIL partnerships and personal foundation.
In a world where young athletes are often scrutinized for self-indulgence, L.J. Martin just rewrote the playbook — choosing purpose over popularity, and transforming his platform into a place of healing.
And he’s only 20.
