Breaking News: Let’s Give Back to Tennessee — Jordan Bone, Legendary Former Point Guard, Donates $150 Million to Support Tennessee Volunteers…
Knoxville, TN — June 12, 2025
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In a stunning and heartwarming announcement that is sending shockwaves through the world of college athletics and philanthropy, Jordan Bone, the former standout point guard of the Tennessee Volunteers, has donated an astonishing $150 million to the University of Tennessee. This is one of the largest donations ever made by a former college athlete to their alma mater — and easily the most significant in the history of Tennessee Athletics.
Jordan Bone, a fan favorite known for his lightning-quick first step, elite court vision, and unwavering leadership during his years with the Volunteers, has now added another title to his name: legendary philanthropist.
A Volunteer Forever
Bone, a Nashville native, played for the Tennessee Volunteers from 2016 to 2019 under head coach Rick Barnes. He quickly became a cornerstone of a historic team that re-energized the program and brought Tennessee basketball back into the national spotlight. His junior season was a breakout year, averaging over 13 points and nearly 6 assists per game while leading the Vols to one of the best seasons in school history.
Known not just for his athleticism but for his character, Bone declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and was selected in the second round. Over the next few years, he played professionally in both the NBA and overseas, building not only his basketball career but also a keen sense for business and investment. His off-the-court ventures flourished, eventually culminating in financial success that positioned him for this monumental gift.
Now, in 2025, Bone has returned to Rocky Top in the most impactful way imaginable.
A Game-Changing Gift
The $150 million donation will be used to create the Jordan Bone Foundation for Excellence, a comprehensive support initiative dedicated to enhancing opportunities for student-athletes, advancing academic excellence, and investing in long-term athletic infrastructure across all sports.
The gift will be allocated to several key areas:
- $50 million for state-of-the-art training facilities for basketball and other Olympic sports.
- $30 million toward scholarships and academic support for student-athletes.
- $25 million for mental health, wellness, and personal development programs.
- $20 million to renovate Thompson-Boling Arena, including a new student section named “Bone Zone.”
- $15 million for community outreach programs that will connect Tennessee athletes with local youth in Knoxville and across the state.
During the press conference at Neyland Stadium, surrounded by current players, university officials, and hundreds of emotional fans, Bone said:
“Tennessee gave me everything — an education, a family, and a platform. I’ve never forgotten where I came from. This gift isn’t just about basketball. It’s about giving every student-athlete — no matter their sport or background — a chance to thrive. I’m proud to be a Volunteer for life.”
University and Community Reaction
The University of Tennessee was quick to celebrate the moment, with university president Randy Boyd calling it a “historic day not only for the university but for all of Tennessee.”
“Jordan Bone embodies what it means to be a Volunteer — grit, excellence, humility, and heart. His gift will impact generations of students, athletes, and Tennesseans. We are forever grateful.”
Athletics Director Danny White also expressed his gratitude:
“This is a transformative moment for Tennessee Athletics. Jordan’s belief in our mission and his desire to give back in such a meaningful way is both humbling and inspiring. He’s left a legacy on the court — and now an even bigger one off of it.”
Coach Rick Barnes, who coached Bone during his time at Tennessee, became visibly emotional when speaking:
“Coaching Jordan was one of the greatest honors of my career. I always knew he’d be a leader long after his playing days. This… this is leadership at the highest level.”
Rewriting the Playbook on Giving Back
In recent years, more and more athletes have looked for ways to give back to the programs and communities that shaped them. However, very few have done so at this level. Jordan Bone’s $150 million donation not only sets a precedent in college sports — it redefines what’s possible when successful alumni step up to invest in future generations.
But for Bone, the motivation was never about headlines or records.
“This isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about the kids who are 17 or 18 right now, dreaming of wearing orange. It’s about the swimmer who wakes up at 5 a.m., the walk-on grinding every day, the trainer in the background keeping everyone going. This is for all of them.”
A New Era for Tennessee Athletics
The announcement of the donation comes at a time when Tennessee Athletics is on the rise. With multiple programs competing at national levels and increased interest in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) partnerships, Bone’s gift injects critical support into the infrastructure of success.
The Thompson-Boling Arena renovations are expected to begin in early 2026, with the “Bone Zone” student section anticipated to become one of the loudest, most electric spaces in college basketball. Additionally, the academic and wellness programs being funded by Bone’s gift are already in the planning phase, with a rollout expected before the 2025–2026 academic year.
Looking Ahead
Jordan Bone’s legacy is now cemented as one of the most influential figures in Tennessee athletics — not just for what he did with a basketball in his hand, but for what he has done with his heart and vision.
In the coming months, Bone will serve as an ambassador for the Jordan Bone Foundation, working closely with student groups, faculty, and administrators to ensure the donation is used wisely and equitably. He’s also expressed interest in mentoring current student-athletes through entrepreneurship and personal growth workshops.
Conclusion: A Volunteer’s Gift to the Future
Jordan Bone has always been a Volunteer — from the moment he stepped onto the court in Knoxville to the moment he made this life-changing announcement. His gift is a bold, compassionate act that reflects the true spirit of Tennessee: community, excellence, and unwavering support for one another.
As the echoes of his impact ripple across Rocky Top, it’s clear that Bone didn’t just make a donation — he started a movement. A movement of giving back. A movement of investing forward. A movement that says loud and clear:
Once a Volunteer, always a Volunteer.
#JordanBoneLegacy #VolunteerPride #GiveBackToTennessee #BoneZone #VFL (Vol for Life)
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