🏈 TOUCHDOWN FOR HUMANITY: WVU Star Running Back Jahiem White Donates Entire $6.9M Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Combat Homelessness in West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA — In an act that transcends football and redefines the meaning of heroism, West Virginia University running back Jahiem White has made national headlines—not for his performance on the field, but for his unprecedented generosity off it.
The rising junior and Heisman Trophy candidate announced Monday that he is donating the entirety of his recent $6.9 million in NIL sponsorship deals and bonus earnings to launch the “Homes for Hope Initiative”, a project aimed at building 150 transitional housing units with 300 beds across the state of West Virginia to aid individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
🏠 A Personal Mission
White, who grew up in challenging economic conditions in York, Pennsylvania, shared emotional remarks during a press conference held at the West Virginia State Capitol:
> “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up. Friends, family—people who worked hard but just didn’t catch a break. I made a promise to myself: If I ever had the chance to change things, I would. And now I do.”
The initiative will begin with groundbreaking on three key sites in Morgantown, Charleston, and Huntington, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Mountaineer Mission, and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund.
White’s $6.9 million donation will cover:
Construction costs of the 150 units
Emergency shelter infrastructure with 300 beds
Staffing for mental health and employment services
On-site childcare and education support centers
Year-long operating costs for the first three shelters
💬 An Outpouring of Support
The sports world—and beyond—has erupted with praise.
ESPN anchor Rece Davis called White’s gesture “the single most impactful NIL decision we’ve ever seen.”
NFL MVP Lamar Jackson posted, “That’s real leadership. Salute to Jahiem White—young king doing kingdom work.”
And WVU Head Coach DeShawn Butler simply stated:
> “He’s the heartbeat of this team—on and off the field. He’s not just a Mountaineer, he’s a movement.”
White has also committed to continuing his education in nonprofit management and will be personally involved in monthly progress meetings with community organizers and state officials.
📈 The Ripple Effect
Within 48 hours of the announcement, the Homes for Hope donation site had raised an additional $2.1 million from fans, alumni, and local businesses inspired by White’s leadership. A mural honoring his initiative is already being painted on the side of a building in downtown Morgantown.
Governor Mallory Jenkins has declared August 10 as “Jahiem White Day” in West Virginia, and the city of Morgantown will name one of the new shelters the Jahiem White Wellness Center.
🏈 A New Kind of Champion
While Heisman voters are watching his performance on Saturdays, Jahiem White is proving his legacy is being written far beyond the end zone.
> “Stats fade. Trophies collect dust,” White said. “But if someone has a warm bed tonight because of what we did—that’s forever.”
In a game defined by yards and scores, Jahiem White just delivered the biggest touchdown of them all—for humanity.
