Athens, GA – In a bold and unifying move to preserve the powerhouse that is Georgia football, a group of University of Georgia football alumni has collectively raised $5 million to support the program’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) efforts. The newly formed NIL collective, dubbed “Dawgs for Dawgs,” aims to provide competitive financial opportunities for current and future Bulldog athletes—ensuring that Athens remains a destination for elite talent in the NIL era.
The initiative, led by a coalition of former UGA stars including David Pollack, Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, and Matthew Stafford, was announced at a private fundraising gala in Atlanta this past weekend. The $5 million raised will be used to fund NIL agreements that offer UGA student-athletes compensation for community engagements, endorsements, social media campaigns, and brand partnerships.
“This isn’t just about money,” said former All-American linebacker David Pollack. “It’s about building a structure that keeps Georgia football competitive and gives these young men the support they deserve while honoring the culture and values this program is built on.”
Pollack, a noted voice in college football media, emphasized that the collective’s mission is rooted in mentorship and long-term player development—not just quick paydays. “We want to teach these guys how to build a brand, manage their image, and contribute meaningfully to the community.”
Former running backs Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb, who are both beloved for their loyalty to the university, spoke on how the college landscape has shifted and why supporting NIL initiatives is critical to maintaining Georgia’s competitive edge.
“When I was here, it was about team, about loyalty. That hasn’t changed. But today’s athletes have new tools and opportunities—and if we don’t step up to support them, someone else will,” Gurley said. “Georgia should lead, not follow.”
The collective’s formation comes at a pivotal time for college football. As programs across the nation ramp up their NIL game, schools like Texas, Alabama, and USC have seen top recruits swayed by more aggressive NIL support systems. Georgia, fresh off two national championships under Coach Kirby Smart and a perennial title contender, cannot afford to fall behind.
“Kirby’s built something special here,” said Stafford. “We owe it to him and the next generation of Dawgs to make sure the program doesn’t just survive this new era—it dominates it.”
Coach Smart, who attended the event, expressed gratitude for the alumni’s backing and reinforced the program’s emphasis on both tradition and innovation.
“We’ve always been about toughness, discipline, and family,” Smart said. “With the help of our alumni and this new collective, we’re making sure that foundation stays strong while giving our athletes every tool they need to succeed.”
The “Dawgs for Dawgs” collective will begin formal partnerships with current UGA players this summer, with a portion of the funds earmarked for female athletes and non-revenue sports as well. According to organizers, transparency and community engagement will be key pillars of the initiative.
As NIL continues to redefine college athletics, Georgia’s alumni have made it clear: the Red and Black Brotherhood runs deep—and it’s here to stay.
