LSU’s Chris Hilton Jr. Donates NIL Earnings to Help Zachary High Boys’ Basketball Team Celebrate State Championship
In a heartwarming display of community support and philanthropy, LSU football player Chris Hilton Jr. is making headlines off the field by giving back to his hometown. The wide receiver, known for his athletic prowess and character, has decided to donate a portion of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings to the Zachary High School boys’ basketball team — a generous gesture aimed at helping the team cover the cost of their state championship rings.
The donation comes on the heels of Zachary High’s recent triumph in the Louisiana high school basketball state championships. The team’s grit, determination, and unity throughout the season culminated in a thrilling victory, bringing home the prestigious title. While the win brought immense pride to the school and the city of Zachary, the team faced financial hurdles in funding championship rings for the players — a time-honored tradition that symbolizes athletic achievement and commemorates the team’s journey.
Hilton, a proud Zachary High School alumnus himself, saw an opportunity to give back to the school and community that helped shape him. The LSU junior, who has benefitted from recent changes to NCAA policies allowing college athletes to profit from their NIL, chose to use some of that income for a cause close to his heart.
“Zachary is home,” Hilton said in a statement. “This community has always supported me, and I wanted to return that support. These young men worked hard all season, and they deserve to celebrate their success with something meaningful that they’ll remember forever.”
Hilton’s gesture has been met with gratitude and praise from both the Zachary High School administration and the broader community. Zachary head basketball coach Nathaniel Washington called it “a powerful example of leadership and giving back,” noting that Hilton’s actions are “a testament to his character both on and off the field.”
In a time when NIL deals have sparked national debates over commercialization in college sports, Hilton’s choice to share his earnings with young athletes at the high school level offers a refreshing perspective on the positive potential of such opportunities.
The story has resonated well beyond Zachary, reminding many of the profound impact athletes can have when they use their platforms to uplift others. As the championship rings are now set to be ordered, thanks in part to Hilton’s contribution, the Zachary High basketball players will carry not just the memory of a title — but the lasting inspiration of a hometown hero.