Just before he attempts the first carry of his junior season, University of Texas (UT) Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson lent a helping hand to local charter school students, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
The 6-foot, 222-pound Robinson, who has a few Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals to his name, used some of his earnings to donate $3,000 worth of backpacks to Harmony School of Excellence in Austin.
“I feel when you have the chance to give back and serve the guys that look up to you and even just the school that looks up to you, I think that’s the most important thing,” the rusher told KXAN.
Robinson added that he believes it’s God’s plan for him to help the youth, per the station.
“God put me here to be a vessel to them so they could see me be a positive role model,” he told KXAN.
The station reported that aside from his donation, he spent time with Harmony’s football team much to the surprise of its head coach, Ian Manzak.
Manzak divulged to KXAN that’s a rarity for something like Robinson’s visit to happen at Harmony.
“Having something like this, having Bijan come out here and [pour] his heart out for these guys is unbelievable, it’s amazing and it makes us all feel good,” the coach said, according to the station.
Robinson’s mother, LaMore Saul, said that her son has looked out for others in numerous ways, KXAN reported.
A product of Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona, Robinson has more than 1,800 collegiate career rushing yards for 21st place on UT’s all-time list, per his athletic profile.
As one of the best rushers in the nation, he’s on the shortlists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and Wuerffel Trophy, the university said.
The Longhorns’ season opener against Louisiana-Monroe at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is on Saturday.