All Heart: K-State QB Avery Johnson Donates Entire Season’s Earnings to Charity in Stunning Act of Generosity
In a world where college athletes are increasingly capitalizing on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson is flipping the script. Instead of pocketing his earnings, the sophomore signal-caller is channeling them toward a greater cause — supporting a beloved former mentor battling cancer.
In a heartfelt announcement, Johnson revealed he would be donating $1,000 for every touchdown he scores this season to help cover medical costs for Dr. Chris Botts, his former high school principal at Maize High School in Wichita, Kansas. Botts is fighting stage 4 large-cell neuroendocrine thymic cancer — a rare and aggressive form of the disease.
“This season is for him,” Johnson said in a video posted to social media. “Every touchdown I score is about more than football — it’s about showing up for someone who showed up for me.”
Botts, who helped guide Johnson during his formative high school years, was first diagnosed in 2022. After a brief remission, the cancer returned in early 2023, forcing Botts to begin an intensive clinical trial treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The travel and medical expenses quickly began to mount — prompting Johnson to step in.
What started as a modest goal of raising $20,000 quickly gained momentum. Johnson’s initiative encouraged fans and supporters to pledge donations based on his on-field performance, turning each touchdown into a fundraising milestone. The Wildcat community responded — and so did fans from unlikely places.
In a September matchup against BYU, Johnson didn’t score, and Kansas State lost 38–9. But something unexpected happened: BYU fans flooded Johnson’s campaign with donations, many giving $38.09 — symbolizing the game’s final score. Their generosity helped push the campaign past $40,000 in just days.
The unexpected support stunned both Johnson and Botts. “Seeing people I’ve never met care this much — I’m speechless,” Botts said. “It reminds you that there’s still a lot of good in the world.”
As donations continued to roll in, Johnson raised the goal to $80,000. The campaign is well on its way, with the story spreading across the Big 12 and beyond. What began as a heartfelt gesture by one player is now a movement powered by fans, teammates, and even rivals.
Johnson’s effort is about more than just fundraising. It’s a powerful reminder of what college sports can represent: leadership, community, and heart. At a time when NIL conversations are often focused on money and exposure, Johnson is using his platform to put humanity at the center of the game.
As the season unfolds, every touchdown he scores carries more weight — not just on the scoreboard, but in the fight for one man’s life. Avery Johnson isn’t just chasing victories on the field. He’s proving what it truly means to lead — with compassion, courage, and conviction.
