Hook ‘Em, Hope: Longhorns Star CJ Baxter Donates Entire $6.9 Million NIL Earnings to Combat Homelessness in Austin
AUSTIN, Texas – In an unprecedented act of philanthropy that redefines the potential of the modern student-athlete, University of Texas star running back CJ Baxter announced Monday he is donating his entire $6.9 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings to establish a groundbreaking initiative to fight homelessness in Austin.
The landmark donation, believed to be the largest single charitable gift ever made by an active college athlete, will launch the “Longhorn Hope Initiative.” The initiative’s cornerstone project is the development of a comprehensive support campus aimed at providing a direct pathway from crisis to stability, featuring 150 transitional housing units and an additional 300 emergency shelter beds.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, where a visibly emotional Baxter stood alongside university leadership, city officials, and community advocates. The 20-year-old sophomore, who has become a central figure in the Longhorns’ explosive offense, framed the stunning donation as the fulfillment of a deeply personal mission.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew that if I ever made it to this level, my purpose would be bigger than football,” Baxter stated, his voice resonating with conviction. “There were times when my family didn’t have a permanent place to call home. I know what that uncertainty feels like. This isn’t about writing a check for me; it’s about honoring the struggles my family faced and using the incredible blessings I’ve received to provide others with the stability and dignity every human being deserves.”
The $6.9 million figure represents the entirety of Baxter’s aggregated NIL earnings, a combination of major national endorsement deals and funds earned through the Texas One Fund collective. Instead of leveraging the funds for personal wealth, Baxter has directed his newly formed foundation to spearhead the initiative in partnership with the City of Austin and a coalition of local non-profits, including Austin’s Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO).
The planned campus is designed to be a national model for holistic care. The 150 furnished transitional apartments will provide housing for families and individuals for up to 24 months, offering a crucial bridge to permanent housing. The 300-bed emergency shelter will address the city’s immediate needs, ensuring fewer people are forced to sleep on the streets.
Crucially, the Longhorn Hope Initiative will integrate comprehensive wraparound services directly on-site. These will include dedicated case managers, mental and physical healthcare clinics, substance abuse counseling, job training and placement programs, financial literacy education, and childcare services, removing common barriers that prevent individuals from breaking the cycle of poverty.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, who spoke at the event, lauded Baxter’s generosity as a pivotal moment for the city’s ongoing efforts to address its significant homeless population.
“Today, a young leader has stepped forward and challenged all of us to do more. CJ Baxter’s compassion, vision, and extraordinary generosity will provide a tangible lifeline to hundreds of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Mayor Watson said. “This is a powerful example of a public-private partnership, and it creates a new standard for what it means to be a community champion. The City of Austin is proud to partner with him and is profoundly grateful for this transformative investment in our city’s future.”
Baxter’s on-field prowess has made him a fan favorite and a key component of Texas’s high-powered offense. After a stellar freshman campaign where he became the first Longhorn true freshman to start an opener at running back since Ricky Williams, his role is expected to expand even further.
University of Texas Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director, Chris Del Conte, emphasized that Baxter’s off-field character is what truly defines him.
“We recruit athletes who are exceptional on the field, but our goal is to develop people who are leaders in life,” Del Conte said. “CJ embodies the spirit of this university: a commitment to excellence, a heart for service, and the understanding that the platform of a Texas Longhorn carries with it a profound responsibility. We could not be prouder of the man he is and the incredible impact he is making.”
Head Football Coach Steve Sarkisian echoed those sentiments. “We talk about team, sacrifice, and leaving a legacy every single day in our program. CJ is living those values at the highest possible level. He is a phenomenal football player, but he is an even better human being. This act of selflessness will inspire his teammates, this university, and countless others for years to come.”
The donation comes at a critical time for Austin, a city grappling with a visible and growing homelessness crisis. The Longhorn Hope Initiative is expected to significantly bolster the city’s existing infrastructure and support the goals of its HEAL (Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link) program.
For Baxter, this is just the beginning. He confirmed his foundation will continue to fundraise and remain deeply involved in the project’s development and long-term operation.
“This is my community now,” Baxter concluded. “Austin has embraced me, and the University of Texas has given me the world. It’s my turn to give back. We’re going to build more than a shelter; we’re going to build hope. This is just the first step.”
