In the heart of Louisiana, where football, family, and community pride run deep, one LSU power couple is using their national platform and NIL success to make a difference far beyond the gridiron and the basketball court. LSU wide receiver Tre Watson, a rising star for the Tigers, is following in the philanthropic footsteps of his girlfriend, LSU basketball standout and rapper Flau’jae Johnson, by channeling his NIL earnings to support a Louisiana-based high school. Together, they’re redefining what it means to be college athletes in the NIL era — not just competitors or brand ambassadors, but leaders in community change.
Flau’jae Johnson, who has become a household name thanks to her dual talents on the court and in the studio, made headlines last year when she donated a portion of her NIL income to Savannah High School in Georgia — her alma mater. Her donation helped fund new uniforms, athletic equipment, and even covered college prep materials for students in need. Her act of giving resonated across the country, receiving praise from media figures, fellow athletes, and fans alike.
Now, Watson is following suit — not out of obligation, but out of admiration and a shared belief in using influence for impact. The junior wideout recently pledged $50,000 of his NIL income to his former high school, St. Charles Catholic in LaPlace, Louisiana, a move that has energized the community and sparked conversations about the evolving role of college athletes in local development.
“It wasn’t even a question for me,” Watson said during a recent media availability. “I saw what Flau’jae did for her community and how much it meant to the kids back home. I wanted to bring that same energy to where I’m from. These schools raised us — they’re the reason we made it to LSU in the first place.”
Watson’s donation will fund major upgrades to St. Charles Catholic’s athletic facilities, including a refurbished weight room, updated locker rooms, and an academic support center for student-athletes. The school plans to name the center the “Watson Legacy Room,” a tribute to his generosity and roots. School administrators were visibly emotional at a recent ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium, where Watson surprised students with the announcement.
“This isn’t just about football,” said Principal Marcus Coleman. “Tre understands the value of education, of support systems, and of having someone believe in you. His gift is going to change lives here. We’re beyond proud — we’re inspired.”
The initiative is already drawing comparisons to Flau’jae’s earlier philanthropic efforts. Johnson, who has spoken candidly about her journey through adversity and her desire to uplift others, called Watson’s actions “powerful” and “a full-circle moment.”
“I’m so proud of Tre,” she said. “We talk a lot about our dreams, not just for ourselves but for the people around us. This is what it’s all about. When you’re blessed, you give back. That’s something my momma taught me, and something we both live by.”
Johnson and Watson have quickly become one of LSU’s most admired power couples — not only for their talent and charisma but also for their maturity, humility, and commitment to their roots. Their story stands in stark contrast to the often transactional narratives surrounding NIL — where endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and social media influence tend to overshadow the deeper potential of this new era.
The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, which allows college athletes to profit from personal branding, has opened up a world of financial opportunities. While many athletes focus on maximizing earnings through sponsorships, appearances, and social media content, Watson and Johnson are showing how NIL can be used as a force for good. And they’re doing it authentically, with a sense of purpose that’s resonating across generations.
Watson’s own rise at LSU has been impressive. After redshirting his freshman year, he broke out during his sophomore campaign with 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Known for his speed and precise route-running, he’s expected to be a top target in LSU’s high-powered offense this fall. Off the field, he’s equally focused, majoring in business and taking courses in entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership.
“I want to start my own foundation one day,” Watson said. “Something long-term. Something that helps kids stay in school, stay off the streets, and realize their potential — not just in sports, but in life.”
Those plans are already in motion. Watson has partnered with a local Baton Rouge non-profit, DreamBig Louisiana, to host summer camps and mentorship programs. This summer, with Flau’jae by his side, he’s launching a week-long youth empowerment camp that blends athletics, academics, and creative expression.
“It’s not just football drills and jump shots,” Johnson added. “We’re talking poetry workshops, financial literacy sessions, and even music production. We want kids to know there’s more than one way to shine.”
For many in Louisiana, seeing local stars reinvest in their communities is more than inspiring — it’s essential. The state has long faced educational and economic challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. When athletes like Watson and Johnson choose to give back at home, it sends a message that success doesn’t mean leaving your roots behind — it means lifting them up with you.
And they’re not alone. Their efforts are part of a broader wave of NIL-powered giving that’s spreading across college sports. From Texas to Ohio, student-athletes are finding ways to direct funds toward community projects, scholarships, and social justice initiatives. But what sets Watson and Johnson apart is their holistic approach and their refusal to be defined by fame or finance.
“We’re still students,” Watson said. “We’re still learning. But we know what it feels like to struggle, and we know the value of hope. If we can be that for somebody else — even one person — then it’s all worth it.”
That authenticity has earned them admiration beyond Baton Rouge. National media outlets have featured their story, and LSU has publicly praised their efforts. Athletic Director Scott Woodward called them “exceptional representatives of what it means to be Tigers — not just in competition, but in character.”
For LSU fans, the story is more than heartwarming — it’s a glimpse into the future of college athletics. As the landscape continues to shift, stories like Watson and Johnson’s are proof that NIL doesn’t have to be about ego or excess. It can be about elevation — of families, communities, and entire generations.
“You see them out there, and yeah, they’re stars,” said one LSU fan. “But they’re also just real. You can tell they love where they come from. And they’re showing the next wave of kids that you don’t have to wait for the NFL or the WNBA to make a difference.”
Indeed, the Bayou Power Couple is blazing a trail — one that fuses talent with heart, ambition with humility, and opportunity with responsibility. Their love story may have started on campus, but their legacy is being written far beyond it — in classrooms, weight rooms, and community centers across Louisiana.
As Johnson and Watson prepare for another season at LSU, they remain grounded by faith, family, and a shared vision: that success is best measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you build for others. And in the NIL era, where the spotlight shines bright, they’re choosing to reflect it outward.
“Legacy is bigger than the game,” Watson said. “We’re just getting started.”