ESPN REPORT: Seminole Legends Deion Sanders and Derrick Brooks Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for Florida State Football, Championing Youth Development and Cementing Their Legacy
TALLAHASSEE, FL – July 8, 2025 – In a move that will undoubtedly resonate deeply within the Seminole Nation and across the landscape of college football, two of Florida State University’s most iconic and impactful legends, Deion Sanders and Derrick Brooks, have jointly announced a multi-million dollar endowment dedicated to the Florida State football program. This historic contribution, made with a significant emphasis on youth development initiatives, further solidifies their already legendary status and extends their profound legacy with the Seminoles for generations to come.
The announcement, a powerful collaboration between two former teammates who went on to achieve unparalleled greatness in the NFL, signifies a shared commitment to giving back to the institution that helped launch their storied careers. Deion Sanders, the electrifying Jim Thorpe Award winner in 1988 and a transcendent two-sport athlete, and Derrick Brooks, the dominant linebacker and 2000 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, represent the pinnacle of Florida State football excellence. Their combined philanthropic effort underscores a deep-seated desire to uplift the next generation.
“Florida State isn’t just a place where we played; it’s where we grew, where we learned, and where we became men,” Deion Sanders stated in a heartfelt message released by the university. “This endowment, alongside my brother Derrick, is about ensuring that the young people who come through Tallahassee, whether they play football or not, have every opportunity to succeed. It’s about giving them the foundation, the resources, and the belief they need to chase their dreams, just as FSU gave us.”
Derrick Brooks, known for his relentless pursuit on the field and his unwavering dedication to community off it, emphasized the endowment’s focus on holistic youth development. “Our mission with this gift is clear: to invest in the future of young lives,” Brooks added. “We want to support programs that build character, promote education, and instill the values of discipline and teamwork. Florida State provided us with an incredible platform, and it’s our privilege to help extend that opportunity to countless more, fostering not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to society.”
While the precise multi-million dollar figure of the endowment was not immediately disclosed, sources indicate it is a substantial, long-term commitment designed to provide sustained funding for key initiatives within and around the Florida State football program. A significant portion of the endowment will be specifically allocated to youth development programs, which are expected to include:
- Expanded Youth Camps and Clinics: Providing access and scholarships for local children to participate in football camps, offering fundamental skills training, mentorship from current and former Seminole players, and exposure to the collegiate athletic environment.
- Academic Enrichment and Mentoring Programs: Establishing resources to support the academic pursuits of young athletes, emphasizing the critical balance between scholastic achievement and athletic development. This could include tutoring services, study hall opportunities, and academic counseling.
- Life Skills and Leadership Workshops: Implementing comprehensive programs focused on instilling essential values such as financial literacy, conflict resolution, healthy living, and community engagement in young participants.
- Community Outreach Initiatives: Supporting grassroots football leagues and youth organizations in the Tallahassee area and across the state of Florida, providing equipment, facility improvements, and coaching development.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Potentially creating pathways for deserving young individuals to pursue higher education, whether at Florida State or elsewhere, based on both academic merit and community involvement.
Both Sanders and Brooks have extensive personal histories of philanthropic work focused on youth. Deion Sanders, currently the head coach at the University of Colorado, has consistently championed youth sports and education through various initiatives, including his “TRUTH Sports” organization and recent efforts to provide financial literacy education and uniforms to youth teams. Derrick Brooks, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and universally recognized for his community impact, founded Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc., which has provided educational opportunities and youth programs in the Tampa Bay area for over two decades, including the establishment of the Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. This joint endowment at Florida State represents a powerful convergence of their individual philanthropic legacies with their collective devotion to their alma mater.
The impact of this endowment is expected to be transformative for Florida State football and the broader community. It provides a dedicated and sustainable funding source for crucial youth initiatives, strengthening the pipeline of talent while simultaneously enhancing the university’s commitment to community engagement. For the young people across Florida, it opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, fostering both athletic potential and personal growth.
“This is a truly monumental day for Florida State University,” remarked FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford. “Deion and Derrick are legends in every sense of the word, and their decision to invest so significantly in our future, particularly in the development of our youth, speaks volumes about their character and their love for this university. This endowment will allow us to expand our reach, nurture talent, and build stronger communities, ensuring that the Seminole spirit continues to inspire for generations.”
The legacies of Deion Sanders and Derrick Brooks on the football field are undeniable, etched into the annals of college and professional football history. Now, through this multi-million dollar endowment, their impact will extend far beyond the gridiron, touching the lives of countless young individuals and further cementing their status as true heroes of Florida State, both on and off the field. Their unwavering commitment to “throwing the rope back” to help others climb is a testament to the enduring power of the Seminole bond.
