NFL star and Oklahoma Sooners alumnus CeeDee Lamb is giving back to the program that helped launch his professional career in a major way. In a landmark move that strengthens the future of Oklahoma athletics, Lamb has donated $5.4 million to establish the NIL Fund for Oklahoma Athletes. This transformative contribution is one of the largest ever made by a former collegiate athlete to support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and it signals a bold step forward in athlete empowerment at the University of Oklahoma.
The NIL Fund, powered by Lamb’s donation, is designed to provide current and future Sooner athletes with expanded opportunities to benefit from their personal brands, all while receiving the education and support needed to manage their image, finances, and careers. As the NIL landscape continues to evolve across the country, Oklahoma’s commitment to its athletes’ success both on and off the field is now stronger than ever.
Lamb, who starred at wide receiver for the Sooners from 2017 to 2019 before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, said the decision to give back was deeply personal. “Oklahoma changed my life,” Lamb said in a statement. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, coaching, and community I experienced as a Sooner. This is my way of making sure the next generation has the same – or even better – opportunities.”
The $5.4 million gift will fund a variety of initiatives aimed at helping student-athletes build and maximize their NIL potential. These include mentorship programs, brand-building workshops, media training, legal and financial advising, and partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout Oklahoma and beyond. The fund will work closely with the university’s athletic department and its existing NIL infrastructure to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations and institutional standards.
University of Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione praised Lamb’s generosity, calling it “a historic moment for our program and a testament to the strength of the Sooner family.” He continued, “CeeDee’s vision and leadership are providing our student-athletes with tools that will change their lives. This fund sets a new standard for how former players can empower current students.”
Lamb’s gift arrives at a critical time in collegiate athletics, where NIL continues to redefine the relationship between athletes, schools, and their broader communities. With mounting pressure to provide equitable and competitive compensation structures, Oklahoma now finds itself at the forefront of innovation and support.
Fans and alumni have applauded the move, noting that it reflects a growing trend of successful athletes giving back to their alma maters in meaningful ways. For Lamb, however, it’s not just about money—it’s about mentorship, legacy, and family. “Being a Sooner is forever,” he said. “And it’s time we show the world what that really means.”
With the launch of the NIL Fund, the University of Oklahoma stands poised to become a national leader in student-athlete development. And thanks to CeeDee Lamb, the path forward is paved with opportunity, ambition, and unwavering Sooner pride.
