Tennessee Vol Rickey Gibson Uses NIL Earnings to Donate to Former High School
In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities have revolutionized college athletics, many student-athletes are using their newfound financial power to benefit themselves and their families. But for Tennessee defensive back Rickey Gibson III, the opportunity meant something more: a chance to give back to the community that shaped him. In a powerful display of gratitude, compassion, and vision, Gibson recently donated a significant portion of his NIL earnings to his alma mater, Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama, cementing his reputation not only as a rising football star but as a leader with heart.
Gibson, a former 4-star recruit from Trussville, Alabama, emerged as one of the top young defensive backs in the SEC, playing a key role in Tennessee’s aggressive and improving secondary. Known for his speed, physicality, and football IQ, the 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback has turned heads not just with his play on the field but with his humility off it. His donation, which reportedly helped fund upgrades to the school’s athletic facilities and academic support programs, represents a full-circle moment for a young man whose journey has always been rooted in perseverance, faith, and a strong support system.
“It was something I always said I wanted to do,” Gibson shared in a recent interview. “When I left Hewitt-Trussville, I left with more than just a diploma. I left with values, a foundation, and a dream. Now that I have the chance to give back, it only feels right to start at home.”
Gibson’s contribution didn’t just arrive as a check—it came with intention. Working closely with Hewitt-Trussville’s athletic director and principal, Gibson focused his efforts on areas that directly impacted student-athletes and under-resourced academic departments. New weight room equipment, updated locker rooms, and additional tutoring resources have already been implemented, all thanks to the generosity of a 20-year-old college football player who wanted to make a difference.
His former coaches weren’t surprised by his gesture. “Rickey’s always been a team-first guy,” said Josh Floyd, head coach at Hewitt-Trussville. “He was never just about football. He cared about his teammates, he looked out for the younger guys, and he always led by example. This is just who he is. He’s not chasing headlines—he’s changing lives.”
And indeed, lives are being changed. Several current Hewitt-Trussville athletes have shared stories of how Gibson’s donation has reinvigorated the energy within the athletic department. Students now walk into upgraded facilities with a new sense of pride. Coaches have more tools to develop players, and the school has even launched a new mentorship initiative inspired by Gibson’s story—connecting current students with successful alumni for guidance and support.
But Gibson’s impact extends well beyond Trussville. Across the college football landscape, his decision is resonating. In a time when NIL headlines often center around staggering dollar amounts and controversial deals, Gibson’s story stands as a refreshing reminder that NIL can be more than just personal gain—it can be transformational.
“When the NIL era began, I think a lot of people feared the worst,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “They thought it would be about greed or distraction. But Rickey is showing what the best of NIL looks like. He’s a young man of character who’s using his platform for good. We’re incredibly proud of him.”
That pride is mutual. Gibson has credited the Tennessee football program with giving him the structure and confidence to grow not only as an athlete but as a man. “Coach Heupel, Coach Martinez, my teammates—everybody’s been in my corner since day one,” Gibson said. “They pushed me, challenged me, believed in me. It made me realize that leadership isn’t just about what you do on Saturday. It’s about how you carry yourself Monday through Friday.”
For Gibson, leadership means remembering where you came from. Growing up in Trussville, he was no stranger to hard work. His parents instilled in him a deep respect for education, discipline, and giving back. His mother, a teacher, and his father, a former youth coach, were always active in the community and emphasized the importance of using your blessings to lift others up. That lesson stuck with him, even as the bright lights of college football began to shine.
“When I signed that first NIL deal, I thought about the sneakers I used to tape together in middle school because we couldn’t afford new ones,” Gibson said. “I thought about my teammates who couldn’t always afford camps or new cleats. I knew then that when the time came, I was going to do something that mattered.”
That moment came sooner than expected. With NIL collectives like Spyre Sports Group helping Tennessee athletes maximize their market value while aligning with brands that share their values, Gibson quickly became one of the more marketable young talents on the roster. But instead of focusing on flash or fast money, he stayed true to his roots.
His deals have largely centered on community-focused initiatives, local businesses, and long-term partnerships—choices that reflect a maturity beyond his years. One such partnership, with a Knoxville-based sports apparel brand, included a clause that earmarked a percentage of profits for community reinvestment. Another NIL collaboration involved Gibson hosting youth football camps, the proceeds of which helped fund scholarships for underprivileged high school athletes.
“He’s the kind of athlete companies want to work with—not just because he’s talented, but because he gets it,” said one NIL marketing agent familiar with Gibson’s deals. “Rickey understands his brand. He understands his voice. And more importantly, he understands his responsibility.”
Back in Trussville, the ripple effects continue. The school’s new mentorship initiative, aptly named “The Gibson Project,” pairs upperclassmen with freshmen to encourage leadership, academic achievement, and emotional well-being. It also includes monthly visits from alumni like Gibson, who dial in via Zoom to answer questions, offer advice, and share their journeys.
“He’s more than a donor—he’s a role model,” said Hewitt-Trussville principal Lisa Berry. “Our students see someone who walked these same halls, wore the same jersey, and now he’s giving back in a big way. That inspires them to dream big and give back too.”
Gibson’s story is being shared in classrooms, locker rooms, and living rooms throughout the state, and it’s resonating with fans across the country. It’s a reminder that the most powerful legacies aren’t built solely on stats or trophies—they’re built on integrity, empathy, and action.
Despite his growing national recognition, Gibson remains grounded. He’s focused on continuing to improve his game, helping the Volunteers chase another SEC title, and preparing for the NFL someday. But no matter where football takes him, his heart will always remain in Trussville.
“This is just the beginning,” Gibson said. “I want to keep doing things that matter. I want kids back home to know that their dreams are valid. That someone who came from where they came from made it and didn’t forget about them.”
And he hasn’t. With one donation—and a whole lot of heart—Rickey Gibson has turned NIL into more than just a name, image, or likeness. He’s turned it into a legacy.
In a sports world often dominated by ego and extravagance, Gibson’s selfless act is a beacon of what’s possible when purpose meets opportunity. As he continues to grow as an athlete and a leader, one thing is clear: Rickey Gibson isn’t just playing the game—he’s changing it.