JUST IN: NFL Star Jalen Hurts Donates $5.4M to Launch Massive NIL Fund for Alabama Athletes — One of the Largest in College Football History
Tuscaloosa, AL — In a landmark move that is sending shockwaves through college athletics, NFL superstar and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has donated a staggering $5.4 million to launch a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund exclusively dedicated to supporting Alabama Crimson Tide football athletes.
The fund, one of the largest single contributions from an active professional athlete to a college NIL initiative, is designed to help Alabama maintain its competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top-tier football talent.
“This is home. Alabama gave me an opportunity, shaped me as a player and a man, and now it’s my turn to give back,” Hurts said in a statement. “With this fund, I want to make sure future generations of Crimson Tide athletes have the resources and support they need to thrive — both on and off the field.”
A Bold Step for the Future of College Football
Hurts’ donation comes at a time when the landscape of college sports is rapidly evolving. With NIL opportunities now central to recruiting battles, universities with strong donor support are better positioned to attract elite athletes. Alabama, long regarded as a powerhouse under head coach Nick Saban, is now reinforcing that legacy with one of the most robust athlete support systems in the country.
The Jalen Hurts NIL Fund will provide direct financial support, mentorship opportunities, branding resources, and business education to Alabama football players. According to university officials, the fund will be administered in partnership with the Crimson Tide Foundation and key NIL collectives already in place, ensuring transparency and maximum impact. While many former college athletes have voiced support for NIL, Hurts’ contribution sets a new precedent for direct, large-scale financial involvement from active professional athletes.
“This is unprecedented,” said Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne. “Jalen isn’t just talking about supporting the next generation — he’s investing in them in a tangible, powerful way. His legacy at Alabama continues to grow.”
College sports insiders say the move could encourage other high-profile alumni across the country to follow suit, especially as programs compete not only on the field, but in the NIL marketplace.
Hurts, who played three seasons with Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma, is still beloved in Tuscaloosa for his leadership, resilience, and class. Despite being benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 National Championship game, Hurts returned the following year to lead Alabama to victory in the SEC Championship — a moment that remains iconic in Crimson Tide lore. Since entering the NFL, Hurts has ascended to superstardom, guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance and earning MVP consideration. Now, his off-field contributions are making just as much noise.
As the fund launches this summer, Alabama is expected to unveil more details about how athletes can apply and how the program will be structured. Early reports indicate that NIL deals backed by the Hurts fund will focus not only on athletic performance but also community service, academic standing, and leadership potential. “It’s not just about money — it’s about purpose,” Hurts said. “We want to build winners in every aspect of life.”
With this massive investment, Jalen Hurts is not just supporting Alabama football — he’s helping redefine what it means to give back in the NIL era.
