Most Tennessee athletes are home now, enjoying a short break before returning to campus for summer workouts. Their star cornerback, Rickey Gibson, is also back home in Alabama. But he’s not just spending time at home—he’s making headlines.
Gibson recently donated $5,000 to his former high school, Hewitt-Trussville, where his football journey began. His donation is being watched as part of a growing trend of college athletes using their NIL earnings to support their communities.
Tennessee Star’s $5K NIL Gift to Former High School Has Everyone Talking—for More Than One Reason
Before Rickey Gibson became a standout cornerback in the SEC, he was just a young athlete in Trussville, Alabama, chasing a dream. It was at Hewitt-Trussville High School where his football journey truly began. The school helped shape him into a four-star recruit, setting the foundation for his success.
Now, as a key player for the Tennessee Volunteers, Gibson is earning through NIL deals and hasn’t forgotten where it all started. On May 14, he returned to his alma mater and gave back in a big way—donating $5,000 to the Hewitt-Trussville football program.
The school proudly shared the news on Twitter, penning, “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!”
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 pic.twitter.com/A7rqPlBkhf
— Hewitt-Trussville FB (@HuskyFast) May 15, 2025
Giving back is a common practice in college football. For example, Florida State’s Dillan Gibbons once raised over $150,000 to help a friend with medical bills. Ohio State’s Harry Miller donated his NIL money to support humanitarian efforts in Nicaragua.
Others, like Jackson State’s Kirk Ford and several athletes, teamed up with Cheez-It and gave $10,000 to former high school teachers. And now, Gibson has proudly added his name to this group of players doing good.
By donating $5,000 to his alma mater, Hewitt-Trussville High School, Gibson set a shining example for the students following in his footsteps. The college football community can’t stop praising the Vols CB for his generosity.
ON3 NIL shared the news on social media, where fans responded with excitement. One wrote, “This is so cool.🧡🔥🍊.” Another labeled Gibson’s act as a “Class act.” A third fan cheered, “Well done, young man!! 🔥” Another college football fan added, “There you go! Step up, men of God—open your hearts and give back. When you give, it comes back to you 7×7. Believe, guys! 🧡”
Well done young man!!🔥
— Tinkc🍊🧡 (@tinkc64) May 16, 2025
There you go step up men of God open your hearts and give back to him it comes to you 7×7 believe guys 🧡
— Dan Eldridge (@DanEldridg72011) May 16, 2025
Class Act….
— Tyga.T 🎖️🎗 (@cmbteng) May 15, 2025
We hope Gibson continues to make moves like this.
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His generosity will inspire younger players from his alma mater to follow in his footsteps, and over time, this culture of giving could grow stronger with each generation.
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