Tennessee’s Rickey Gibson shows true colors with NIL earnings

“Really great moment today as 2023 Alumnus @RickeyGibson03 donated back to his high school program and shared a great word with our players,” Hewitt-Trussville Football posted on social media. “Thank you Rickey and we are super proud of you!!”

Gibson’s story is one of full-circle success. The former four-star recruit ranked as the No. 35 cornerback nationally in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. After a slow first season in Knoxville—Gibson briefly considered entering the transfer portal, but chose to stay on Rocky Top. Returning last year Gibson finished with 32 tackles, 3 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. That decision helped solidify a Volunteers secondary that ranked No. 2 in the SEC in total defense (293.2 yards allowed per game) and No. 3 in scoring defense (16.1 PPG).

Through partnerships with The Volunteer Club, Top Tier Authentics, and The Players’ Lounge, Gibson has been one of Tennessee’s rising NIL ambassadors. But this gesture to his high school shows another side of NIL’s potential—empowerment beyond the athlete.

Gibson didn’t just show up with a check; he brought inspiration. To a room full of young players chasing their own dreams, he proved that NIL is more than endorsement deals—it’s about legacy.

For NIL supporters and fans, Gibson’s move is a reminder: when players are supported, communities win too.