Edgerrin Cooper Donates $5.4 Million to Launch NIL Fund for Texas A&M Athletes
NFL Superstar Invests in Aggies’ Future, Creating One of the Largest Athlete Support Funds in the Nation
In a groundbreaking move that cements his commitment to the future of college athletics, NFL rising star and Texas A&M alumnus Edgerrin Cooper has donated an astonishing $5.4 million to establish a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund specifically for Texas A&M student-athletes. This substantial contribution is not only one of the largest ever from a professional athlete to a college NIL initiative, but it also marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of collegiate sports.
The newly launched NIL fund, titled the Aggie Athlete Empowerment Initiative, is designed to provide comprehensive support to student-athletes across all sports programs at Texas A&M. The fund will help athletes maximize their potential by offering resources, mentorship, brand development opportunities, and direct NIL compensation — all aimed at preparing them for success on and off the field.
“I owe so much of my journey to the opportunities I had at Texas A&M,” said Cooper in a statement. “This is my way of giving back and helping the next generation of Aggies navigate the NIL era with the support they deserve. I want to see these athletes win — in their sport, in their education, and in life.”
Edgerrin Cooper, who emerged as one of the most dynamic linebackers in the NFL after being drafted from Texas A&M, has consistently credited the university’s culture and community for shaping his professional and personal development. His donation signals a strong commitment to ensuring that future Aggies have access to the tools, education, and financial opportunities that can help them thrive in the modern collegiate athletics environment.
The NIL landscape has rapidly evolved since 2021, when the NCAA first allowed athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness. However, many athletes, particularly in non-revenue sports, still struggle to find equitable opportunities. Cooper’s fund aims to bridge this gap by creating a sustainable support system that fosters both financial empowerment and personal growth.
Texas A&M athletic director Trev Alberts praised Cooper’s generosity, calling it “a transformational gift that will redefine what support looks like for our student-athletes.” He added, “This initiative is a game-changer for Texas A&M and sets a new standard for how former athletes can give back.”
With Cooper’s $5.4 million donation, the Aggie Athlete Empowerment Initiative becomes one of the largest NIL-focused endowments in the country. The fund is expected to grow further through additional contributions and partnerships, positioning Texas A&M as a national leader in athlete development and NIL innovation.
As the NIL era continues to shape college athletics, Edgerrin Cooper’s visionary investment serves as a powerful example of athlete-led philanthropy that not only honors the past but actively builds a brighter, more equitable future for generations of student-athletes to come.
