Stanford Cardinal cornerback Terian Williams II donated $10,000 to his favorite teacher. Partnering with the Extra Yard for Teachers campaign, Williams surprised his former teacher, Jerry Hayes, with the contribution. The 19-year-old has become a top NIL athlete with various partnerships, including Gold’s Gym, PSD Underwear and Boost Mobile, according to On3.
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The native Georgian’s latest NIL deal is with the snack company Cheez-It and the College Football Playoff Foundation. On Instagram, Williams posted the sweet exchange between him and Hayes. Williams grew up in the Duluth school district for 17 years and gifted the $10,000 to the district through his name.
“I partnered with @cheezit & @cfpextrayard to share a special moment giving $10K to my favorite teacher, Mr. Hayes, and my old elementary school Dutchtown Elementary! Mr. Hayes always got me energized and #FeelinTheCheeziest, so it was great to recognize him!,” he captioned the post.
Hayes was taken aback by the kind gesture and thanked his former student for making it one of the best days of his life. During the conversation, Williams thanked Hayes for making the classroom a safe place and for passing down life lessons he still leans on.
“I wanted to let you know about how big of an impact you had on my life,” Williams said to Hayes. “You taught me things about life that’s stuck with me throughout. You made the class a safe place, not only for me but for all your students. Just allowed them to be themselves,” he added.
“Wow, $10,000? You’ve got to be kidding me TJ. I can’t do anything but say thank you and your sponsors for believing in people like yourself, me and teachers across the country,” Hayes said. “I’m just in tears right now. It’s been one of the happiest moments of my life.”
This isn’t the young player’s first act of kindness. During the holiday season, Williams used his 30 NIL earnings to provide groceries, gifts, and house 10 Atlanta families according to On3.
“I came from a good upbringing and it’s just definitely the best way I can say thank you to them is just keep grinding, keep pushing and give back,” Williams said. “It just felt great giving back, seeing smiles on the kids’ faces.”
