Longhorn football players explain how the Texas One Fund has positively affected their UT experience
During the month of July, Texas One Fund social media accounts posted short videos featuring a number of Texas football players. Some were seniors who have been with the program for several years. Other videos were of newcomers from the portal and high school ranks.
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Players spoke about what originally drew them to the game of football, why they chose the University of Texas, how the NIL efforts from the Texas One Fund have affected their lives as Longhorns, and their favorite charitable experience working with the UT centric NIL collective.
Jaylan Ford
Why Texas?
“Being able to play in front of a crowd and being able to represent Texas and wear it across my chest is something I thought I’d be really proud of. It was something that I just couldn’t pass up.”
What has NIL done for you?
“I definitely think NIL has been a great opportunity for us to maximize everything that we’ve done.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“My favorite charity event we did was definitely at the Ronald McDonald House, being able to serve people who that were really in need of it. I just thought it was a great opportunity to do it as a collective, all of us together.”
Gavin Holmes
Why Texas?
“The biggest reason why I chose Texas was the brand. I felt like what I was looking for there was the most important thing at Texas, and that made a big impact on me and stood out to me from the rest of the other schools.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“My favorite event so far was the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, because it showed me a new place, and the Ronald McDonald House because I got to cook and make some food. I felt like I was making a direct impact.”
Johntay Cook
Why Texas?
“Me seeing what Coach Sark did at Alabama with the receiving corps that he had there, and thinking about the guys I would have been able to play with here. The academics are great here also.”
What has NIL done for you?
“NIL motivates me to go harder and just be better. It’s such a great opportunity to be getting paid this early.
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“One of my favorite non-profits that we’ve worked with was definitely Side By Side Kids. Not too long ago, I was one of those kids and I was thankful we had the opportunity to do that.”
Jalen Catalon
Why Texas?
“Main thing that made me choose Texas was just the fact that I just wanted to be back home. They were high on my list as a high school recruit.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“My favorite place we’ve been to so far for non-profit has been Hungry Souls ATX just because of what they did for families that weren’t able to have meals for seven days a week. We packed over 400 meals for families over the course of a weekend. It was definitely a humbling experience to be a part of it.”
AD Mitchell
Why Texas?
“For anybody that knows me, they know I have a daughter back in Houston. I really came home to be closer to her and closer to my family.”
What has NIL done for you?
“NIL has definitely been able to help my daughter, me, my family. Being able to put food on her plate. Being able to pay for her bills. Being able to pay for her clothes. Things like that.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“My favorite experience with the Texas one fund so far has been the Dell Children’s Hospital. We got a chance to hang out with the kids that are going through rough times, and it just felt good to brighten their day up.”
Malik Muhammad
Why Texas?
“It’s just the University of Texas. They’ve got everything you need for school, sports, etc.”
What has NIL done for you?
“NIL really allowed me to give back to my community, to my mosque, to my family, etc.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“My favorite non-profit partner was Side By Side Kids. Getting around the kids, having fun, playing basketball with them. Just showing love to the kids around the community.”
Cedric Baxter
Why Texas?
“I chose Texas because of Coach Choice, just the type of person he is, how passionate he is about the game. Outside of football, just the city of Austin and the opportunity it provides you with.”
What has NIL done for you?
“NIL has impacted my life because it has allowed me to take care of my parents. They’ve been taking care of me for the last 17 years of my life. Now it’s my turn to take care of them.”
Favorite charitable activity with the Texas One Fund
“The one that I enjoyed the most was the one we did at the YMCA with the kids. I remember me being in their shoes and me playing with older people. Now that the roles are switched, it had a huge impact on me.”
