Jackson State head football coach Deion Sanders is committing half of his salary to complete the Jackson State University (JSU) football facility, The Clarion-Ledger reports.
Sanders joined the JSU on a four-year deal worth $1.2 million over three years in 2020. Per his contract, he earns an average of $300,000 per year. According to The Clarion-Ledger, the NFL Hall of Farmer was convinced by his Business Manager, Constance Schwatz-Morini, to commit his funds to the project.
Schwatz-Morini reportedly told Sanders that the budget for the project was exhausted and suggested to Sanders to make up the difference by donating a quarter of his salary.
“This is your legacy we’re talking about,” Schwartz-Morini told Sanders, according to The Clarion-Ledger. He has since taken to social media to announce that he’s donating half of his salary towards completing the football facility at JSU.
“I’ll put half on it to get this done. If you don’t believe me, check me. I will send you the receipts,” wrote Sanders. According to him, his contribution is to ensure that the completion date for the project is met. Jackson State will open the season against Florida A&M on Sept. 4 in Miami.
Sanders is committed to JSU and has even built a championship-winning team. His new energy has also ignited a conversation and interest around the importance of student-athletes joining HBCU football programs.