TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Two of the most iconic players in University of Alabama football history are giving back in a major way. Former All-Americans and longtime NFL stars Julio Jones and Mark Ingram II announced Friday the creation of the “Legends Fund,” a $50 million initiative aimed at improving housing and living conditions for current and future Alabama student-athletes.
The fund, which will be administered in partnership with the University of Alabama and its athletic department, is designed to support the construction, renovation, and long-term maintenance of off-campus and transitional housing options for student-athletes across multiple sports. While football players will be among the beneficiaries, university officials emphasized that the program will extend to athletes in both revenue and non-revenue sports.
Jones and Ingram, who played together during Alabama’s 2009 national championship season, said the idea for the fund grew out of conversations about the challenges modern athletes face beyond the field.
“People see the games, the awards, the NFL careers,” Jones said in a joint press conference. “What they don’t always see is how much stability off the field matters. Housing is foundational. If a player doesn’t feel settled or safe where they live, it affects everything else.”
Ingram, Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner, echoed that sentiment, noting that college athletics has changed dramatically since his time in Tuscaloosa. “Today’s athletes carry more responsibility, more visibility, and more pressure than ever,” he said. “We wanted to invest in something that lasts, something that helps players focus on being students and athletes, not worrying about leases, rent, or unstable living situations.”
According to university officials, the Legends Fund will support the development of a dedicated player housing complex near campus, featuring affordable, university-affiliated apartments with academic support spaces, wellness resources, and enhanced security. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to emergency housing assistance and short-term living solutions for athletes facing unexpected circumstances.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne praised the initiative, calling it “one of the most significant athlete-focused gifts in the history of the program.”
“Julio and Mark represent everything Alabama football strives to be—excellence, leadership, and commitment to others,” Byrne said. “This fund directly addresses a real need and sets a new standard for how former players can support the next generation.”
The announcement comes amid a broader national conversation about athlete welfare, particularly as NIL opportunities and transfer mobility reshape the college sports landscape. While NIL deals have brought new financial opportunities, they have also introduced inconsistencies in support systems across programs. The Legends Fund, its founders say, is meant to provide stability regardless of a player’s NIL profile.
For Jones and Ingram, the project is deeply personal. Both credited Alabama with laying the foundation for their professional success and shaping them beyond football.
“This place changed our lives,” Ingram said. “Now it’s our responsibility to make sure the next generation has even better support than we did.”
Construction on the first phase of the housing project is expected to begin next year, with university officials projecting initial occupancy within two years.
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