Some heroes hang up their whistle and walk away. Others, like Roy Williams, never stop changing lives.
The legendary former UNC basketball coach has once again proven that being a Tar Heel is about more than basketball — it’s about heart, service, and family. Williams has teamed up with Verizon and ForgiveCo to deliver a life-changing act of kindness: erasing $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of North Carolinians still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
This act follows their earlier effort in January 2025, when Williams and his partners cleared $10 million in debt for more than 6,500 families. Now, they’ve returned to bring hope, relief, and a fresh start to even more households still picking up the pieces after one of the state’s hardest storms in recent history.
Roy Williams, who led UNC to three national championships during his legendary coaching career, continues to represent everything that makes Chapel Hill special — compassion, unity, and community spirit. His partnership with Verizon and ForgiveCo isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. It’s about giving struggling families a second chance to breathe, rebuild, and move forward without the crushing burden of debt.
“Coach Williams has always been more than a coach — he’s a cornerstone of this community,” said one local resident whose family benefited from the program. “Even after retirement, he’s still coaching us through life, reminding us that kindness can be just as powerful as a championship.”
With this initiative, Verizon, ForgiveCo, and Roy Williams have once again shown that leadership isn’t defined by trophies — it’s defined by what you do when the cameras are off. The move brings hope and financial freedom to thousands of storm-affected families who thought their path to recovery would take years.
Williams’ involvement in this mission is no surprise to Tar Heel Nation. His legacy of compassion dates back decades — from uplifting his players to supporting North Carolina communities in times of need. Whether it’s rallying support for hurricane victims, funding scholarships, or simply showing up for his people, Roy Williams has always stood tall for his home state.
And as the people of North Carolina continue rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Helene, his actions send a message that resonates deeply: once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel — on and off the court.
In a world that often celebrates wins and headlines, this gesture is a reminder that the greatest victories sometimes happen in silence — when lives are changed, debts are lifted, and hope returns to a home that had almost given up.
Thank you, Coach Roy Williams, for proving once again that legends never retire — they just find new ways to make a difference.
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