LEGEND IN LIFE: Roy Williams Quietly Wiped Out $10 Million in Debt for North Carolina Families — And Most People Never Knew
When the lights dimmed on Roy Williams’ coaching career, many assumed the man who led the North Carolina Tar Heels to three national titles would step back and enjoy a peaceful retirement. But the heart of a champion never stops beating — and in early 2024, Roy proved once again that he’s more than a coach. He’s a lifesaver.
In one of the most powerful yet under-the-radar gestures of kindness this year, legendary UNC head coach Roy Williams teamed up with Verizon and ForgiveCo to erase $10 million in consumer debt for more than 6,500 families in western North Carolina. The region had been ravaged by Hurricane Helene’s lingering aftermath, and while headlines moved on, many families were still drowning in hardship. That’s when Roy stepped in.
“These are challenging times, but I’ve seen the strength and resilience of this community,” Williams said. “Verizon’s support is a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we’ll rise stronger.”
Those words weren’t just a soundbite. They were backed by action. Real, tangible, life-changing action.
A Call That Changed Lives
Williams — a proud Asheville native — didn’t just sign a check or appear in a press release. He personally made phone calls to selected families still impacted by Helene, delivering the news that their debt had been wiped clean. Imagine picking up the phone and hearing the voice of a Tar Heel legend say your burden had been lifted — no more bills, no more collection calls, no strings attached.
It wasn’t a publicity stunt. It was compassion in motion.
Verizon partnered with ForgiveCo, a company known for orchestrating targeted, large-scale debt relief campaigns. This wasn’t their first rodeo — they had done something similar for military veterans with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But this time, the heart of the mission beat in Carolina Blue.
“To the 6,500 individuals impacted by this initiative and the broader western North Carolina community, we are with you,” said Verizon South Atlantic Market President Leigh Anne Lanier. “We will always stand by you, not just as a business, but as a partner and a neighbor.”
Why This Moment Still Matters
Yes, this happened back in January. But its impact is ongoing. Those families are still sleeping better. Still eating fuller meals. Still making plans they couldn’t before — all because a retired basketball coach refused to stop showing up for his community.
In a world obsessed with stats and titles, it’s easy to measure greatness by wins. But true greatness? It’s measured by legacy. And Roy Williams is building one that stretches far beyond the hardwood.
While most stories from Roy’s coaching days focused on Final Four runs, buzzer-beaters, and rivalries with Duke, this one is different. It’s quieter, softer — but in many ways, even louder than a national championship celebration. Because this wasn’t about cutting nets.
This was about cutting chains.
More Than a Coach. Forever a Tar Heel.
Roy Williams has always said he was “just a teacher,” but that humility hides the truth — he’s a pillar in the lives of thousands. Whether it was motivating players in the locker room or motivating families over the phone, Roy’s mission remains the same:
Lift people up. Push them forward. Never let them feel alone.
He didn’t need to do this. No one would’ve blamed him if he spent his retirement golfing in the mountains or enjoying family time. But instead, he picked up the phone — and picked up the broken pieces of lives still healing from disaster.
A Story Worth Sharing
This isn’t just a story about Roy Williams. It’s a story about hope, about what leadership looks like when the cameras are off. It’s a reminder that the best of UNC isn’t just found in Dean Dome victories, but in the hearts of those who wear the Carolina Blue — long after the final buzzer sounds.
So let the world know:
Roy Williams is still winning.
Just not on the court — this time, he’s winning for humanity.
