In a world where college athletes are increasingly being recognized not only for their talents on the field but also for their character off of it, one young man has just taken a groundbreaking step that transcends sports. Texas Longhorns wide receiver Quinn Merritt, wearing jersey No. 36, has made headlines for all the right reasons—announcing he is investing a staggering $3.5 million of his own earnings to convert his personal property into a full-scale homeless shelter in Austin.
This announcement has sent ripples through the college football world and far beyond, capturing the attention of fans, community leaders, and humanitarians alike. Merritt’s act is not just generous—it is transformational. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have introduced newfound financial power to student-athletes, Merritt is showing the nation how those earnings can be used to change lives.
The 21-year-old junior wideout is no stranger to hardship. Growing up in a low-income area just outside of Houston, Merritt saw firsthand the devastation that poverty, homelessness, and addiction can bring to a family and community. He’s spoken candidly in the past about nights when his family couldn’t afford rent and how he and his younger siblings slept in a car parked behind a grocery store. But through those struggles, he never lost sight of the belief that he could one day be in a position to give back.
“I promised myself when I was 12 years old that if I ever had the chance to help people who were going through what I went through, I’d do it without hesitation,” Merritt said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. “This isn’t about me. This is about making sure someone else doesn’t have to sleep outside tonight.”
According to documents filed earlier this week with the Travis County property office, Merritt finalized the transaction to allocate $3.5 million toward renovations of a sprawling estate he purchased near downtown Austin last year. Originally purchased as a private residence, the property is now undergoing a complete conversion into a state-of-the-art homeless shelter capable of housing up to 120 individuals at a time.
Construction crews began work on Monday, and the property is expected to be ready for residents by late August—just in time for the start of the 2025 football season. The new facility, dubbed “The Merritt House,” will not only provide warm beds, meals, and showers, but also offer job training workshops, mental health counseling, addiction recovery support, and resume-building resources.
Merritt emphasized that the shelter will prioritize families, veterans, and youth who have aged out of the foster care system—groups that he believes are especially vulnerable and often overlooked. He’s partnering with local non-profits such as Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Caritas of Austin, as well as the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, to ensure that operations are sustainable and community-focused.
“This is not just a short-term drop-in center,” Merritt explained. “This is a place where people can get back on their feet, reconnect with their purpose, and leave here ready to reclaim their lives.”
Those close to Merritt aren’t surprised by this act of generosity. His coaches and teammates have long praised him not just for his skills—his crisp route running, explosive acceleration, and sure hands—but also for his leadership, humility, and emotional intelligence. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian described Merritt as “the heart of the locker room,” saying that this move is “exactly the kind of bold, selfless act we’ve come to expect from Quinn.”
“Quinn doesn’t just want to win games,” Sarkisian said. “He wants to leave a legacy that matters. And with this project, he’s doing just that. He’s setting an example for our whole team, for the university, and honestly, for anyone who has the means to make a difference.”
Even as Merritt continues to prepare for what could be a breakout junior season—one that may vault him into the national conversation as a top NFL Draft prospect—he remains focused on his off-field impact. In interviews, he’s consistently deflected attention from himself, instead highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and compassion.
“I’m not trying to be some hero,” Merritt said during a press conference outside the home on Tuesday. “I’m just doing what I wish someone had done for me. There are kids out here with dreams just like mine, but no roof over their heads. If I can give them that roof and a little bit of hope, then I’ve already won—no matter what happens on the football field.”
Reactions to Merritt’s announcement have poured in from across the country. Former Longhorns legends, NFL stars, celebrities, and even politicians have taken to social media to praise him for his vision and generosity. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement calling Merritt “a role model and a difference-maker,” while NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes tweeted, “Big-time respect for this. That’s how you use your platform. Salute.”
The Longhorns athletic department has confirmed it will assist Merritt by launching a new community outreach initiative inspired by his mission. Called “Players With Purpose,” the initiative will highlight and support student-athletes across Texas who use their platforms for philanthropy and social justice.
For many college athletes, NIL money has created new opportunities to invest in luxury, branding, or early entrepreneurship. Merritt has chosen a different path—one rooted in empathy and service. And though the price tag on this project is eye-popping, those who know him say it’s never been about the money.
