Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson has stunned the sports and humanitarian worlds by investing a staggering $5.6 million of his personal fortune to transform a large property in Topeka, Kansas, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The move comes after what Johnson describes as a “season of deep personal reflection” sparked by his own encounters with the harsh realities many young people face in his home state. The initiative is being hailed not just as a philanthropic gesture, but as a clarion call to action for athletes and public figures everywhere.
The shelter, which will be named “The Next Play Youth Home,” will include emergency housing for up to 150 youth at a time, complete with counseling centers, educational tutoring rooms, a full kitchen, and even a sports training facility. Johnson’s vision, according to close sources, is to help young people who’ve been abandoned, abused, or neglected to rebuild their lives in a place that feels safe, empowering, and full of possibility. “If football taught me anything,” Johnson said in a heartfelt press release, “it’s that second chances change everything. Everyone deserves one—especially kids.”
Johnson, just 21 years old and one of the brightest stars in college football, is not only putting his money behind this effort but also his time. He has committed to spending every offseason in Kansas, directly working with the youth the shelter serves. He plans to lead workshops, mentor young men, and work alongside professional counselors and local educators. “I don’t just want to donate. I want to show up,” Johnson said in an emotional video posted to his Instagram account, which has already gone viral with over 2.3 million views in 24 hours.
The quarterback’s move comes amid rising concerns about homelessness among teenagers in Kansas and the broader Midwest. According to a 2024 report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, over 7,500 minors are either unsheltered or in unstable housing across the state. Many of them are victims of family breakdowns, aging out of the foster system, or mental health crises. Advocates believe Johnson’s shelter could become a model for similar athlete-led initiatives across the country.
Reactions have poured in from all corners of the sports world. Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman praised Johnson’s “unshakable character and servant leadership.” Former NFL quarterback and fellow philanthropist Colin Kaepernick tweeted, “This is what legacy looks like. Salute to Avery Johnson.” Even President Joe Biden commented during a press briefing, calling Johnson’s action “inspirational and urgently needed.” The NCAA has also hinted at a potential humanitarian award being named in his honor.
For Johnson, however, this isn’t about fame or awards. The idea for the shelter was born after an emotional meeting with a 14-year-old runaway he met during a community outreach program last fall. “That kid had nowhere to go. I went home that night and couldn’t sleep,” Johnson shared. “I thought about how different my life would’ve been if just one person hadn’t believed in me. Now I want to be that person for someone else.” This personal story has fueled his mission to not only build a shelter, but to ignite a movement.
In a world often distracted by scandals and controversies in sports, Avery Johnson’s bold and heartfelt investment serves as a powerful reminder of the good athletes can do when they use their platform for a cause greater than themselves. “Football is just what I do,” Johnson said. “But helping people—that’s who I am.” As Kansas prepares to open the doors of “The Next Play Youth Home” by the end of this year, one thing is certain: Johnson has already scored the most meaningful touchdown of his life.