Before Gibson became a star cornerback in the SEC, he was just a young kid in Trussville, Alabama, who was chasing his football dreams. He has grown quickly and achieved a lot in a short time. Now, as one of the top players for the Volunteers, he earns well, and his multiple NIL deals have boosted his value even more.
His success began at Hewitt-Trussville High School, where his football journey mainly started. Today, Gibson is giving back to his high school program, supporting it financially with a $5,000 donation.
Rickey Gibson Uses NIL To Give Back to Hewitt-Trussville High School
Giving back to the community has become a common practice in college football. For example, Florida State offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons used his NIL money to raise over $150,000 to help a friend with medical bills. Ohio State’s Harry Miller also pledged to donate all his NIL earnings to humanitarian efforts in Nicaragua.
Several players have also partnered with brands to give back. A group of athletes, including Washington Huskies RB Jonah Coleman, used their Cheez-It NIL deals to donate $10,000 to their former high school teachers.
However, this list now needs to expand further because Tennessee cornerback Rickey Gibson has set an inspiring example of giving back by donating $5,000 of his NIL earnings to his high school football program, Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama.
Most Tennessee athletes are now at home before they return to campus at the end of the month to begin summer offseason training. Tennessee’s star cornerback Rickey Gibson is also back home in Alabama, where he processed a $5,000 donation on Wednesday while visiting his former high school—Hewitt-Trussville High School.
Tennessee CB Rickey Gibson donated $5,000 from his NIL earnings to his alma mater, Hewitt-Trussville High School (AL), to support the football team🧡
(via @HuskyFast)
Read: https://t.co/oOuafqlLjC pic.twitter.com/6IXlhfXKvJ
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) May 15, 2025
The school proudly shared the moment on social media, stating, “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!”
The 20-year-old was a top-rated recruit from Hewitt-Trussville before choosing Tennessee over big programs like Georgia, Penn State, and Auburn. Now, he plays a key role in the Vols’ defense.
KEEP READING: Tennessee Scores Big in Transfer Portal Again with Colorado 5’11” Cornerback Colton Hood’s Commitment
His donation is part of a growing trend where college athletes use their NIL earnings to support their communities. He has already set an example for the rising students of Hewitt-Trussville High School. They are likely to follow in his footsteps when they grow up, as this culture is passed down from generation to generation.
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