░E░S░P░N░ ░R░E░P░O░R░T░: Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Lands $10M Samsung Deal, Donates $4M to Lubbock Youth and Orphanage Programs
LUBBOCK, TX — In a moment that’s sending shockwaves through college football and beyond, Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond has signed a groundbreaking $10 million endorsement deal with global tech giant Samsung, making him one of the highest-earning student-athletes in the country under the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules.
But what’s capturing even more hearts than the numbers is what Hammond did next.
In a remarkable show of generosity, the rising star pledged $2 million to the Boys and Girls Club of Lubbock and another $2 million to a local orphanage home, saying he’s committed to giving back to the community that raised him.
> “Lubbock believed in me before the world did,” Hammond said at a press conference Saturday afternoon. “This isn’t just about football. It’s about legacy, and I want mine to be about more than touchdowns. I want it to be about impact.”
Hammond, who took the Big 12 by storm last season with his poise, arm talent, and leadership, is entering his second year as the Red Raiders’ starting quarterback. Already being hailed as one of the program’s most promising stars in a decade, he has garnered national attention for both his on-field presence and off-field maturity.
Samsung executives praised Hammond’s professionalism and marketability, calling him “a rare talent with unmatched authenticity.”
> “Will represents everything we stand for: innovation, integrity, and vision,” said Jae Kim, Samsung’s VP of U.S. Marketing. “We’re not just signing an athlete—we’re partnering with a future leader.”
The deal includes national advertising campaigns, digital media partnerships, and community outreach initiatives across Texas. It marks a major leap in Hammond’s personal brand, positioning him as a trailblazer in the NIL era.
Still, Hammond made it clear that his heart remains in West Texas.
> “The Boys and Girls Club taught me discipline, purpose, and how to dream,” he said. “And I’ll never forget the faces of the kids I met when I volunteered at the orphanage last year. They changed me. This is for them.”
Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire commended Hammond for his character, calling him “a once-in-a-generation player with a heart bigger than the stadium.”
Social media exploded in the hours after the announcement, with fans and athletes across the country applauding Hammond’s move. Hashtags like #WillHammond10M and #LubbockLegend trended nationwide.
As the Red Raiders look to contend for a Big 12 title this season, their quarterback isn’t just leading with his arm—he’s leading with his heart.