NFL owner donates helmets to HBCU football programs

NFL owner donates helmets to HBCU football programs originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

A simple act can make a lasting impact. For two historic HBCU football teams, it started with a gift, not of money or marketing, but of protection.

This fall, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College will take the field with brand-new, high-tech football helmets thanks to a donation from Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons. Through his family foundation, Blank continues to show up for HBCUs, not with photo ops, but with substance.

The donation isn’t flashy. But for student-athletes who grind without the same resources as Power Four programs, it means everything.

And it’s not just about football.

Why These Helmets Matter More Than You Think

The helmets aren’t just newer. They’re safer.

Football is still one of the most physical sports in America. According to the CDC, concussions affect an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes every year. College players are particularly vulnerable. Smaller programs often rely on outdated gear, increasing injury risk.

Blank’s donation directly addresses that.

“These helmets represent progress, purpose, and the power of partnership,” said Clark Atlanta head coach Teddy Keaton. “This is more than just new equipment, it’s an investment in the future and safety of our student-athletes.”

Morehouse Athletic Director Harold Ellis agreed.

“The new helmets will elevate player health and safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with the highest level of protection,” Ellis said.

The helmets, provided through a grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons, are top-tier, the same quality used by NFL players.

From Turf to Tech: Blank’s HBCU Commitment Isn’t New

Arthur Blank’s support of HBCUs didn’t begin with this helmet donation. It’s part of a broader, consistent effort.

Last year, the foundation gave $6.5 million to four HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta, to improve playing fields and facilities. That program, called the HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, was a major step in leveling the playing field.

Now, with these helmet upgrades, the support continues.

“Player health and safety is paramount for athletes at all levels of football,” said Chris Millman, senior vice president of community engagement and sports philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment. “We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant.”

The helmets are also symbolic. For years, HBCUs have operated on smaller budgets, often overlooked by large corporations and donors. Blank is helping to change that, one act of support at a time.

Why It’s Personal for HBCU Fans

This isn’t just a feel-good story.

For fans, alumni, and students of HBCUs, every ounce of recognition matters. These are programs that carry rich history, from academic excellence to athletic talent, often without the national spotlight.

The gesture from Blank’s foundation doesn’t just upgrade gear. It tells these athletes: “We see you. You matter.”

It’s a message HBCU football fans have long waited to hear.

Morehouse and Clark Atlanta may not be headlining ESPN every Saturday, but they represent decades of legacy. And now, they’ll be able to play with the same level of protection seen on NFL fields.

More Than Helmets: A Full-Circle Moment

The donation also comes amid growing national support for HBCU programs. Deion Sanders’ coaching tenure at Jackson State reignited interest. NIL deals and increased media coverage have brought fresh eyes. But this donation goes deeper.

It’s about infrastructure, the stuff that lasts.

For Blank, who co-founded Home Depot and has long supported Atlanta’s communities, this is about planting roots.

His foundation, established in 1995, has donated over $1.5 billion to causes ranging from mental health to democracy to community development. This move fits within a larger purpose.

Blank’s work with the Falcons extends that mission. The team’s HBCU Fellows Program also offers paid internships for HBCU students, promoting diversity in sports leadership. This year’s fellows are already making waves in branding, operations, and player engagement roles.

A Nod to the Past and a Push Toward the Future

Clark Atlanta and Morehouse aren’t just football programs. They’re institutions that have shaped generations of leaders. They’ve produced civil rights icons, scientists, writers, and yes, pro athletes.

They’ve done so with fewer resources, but unmatched heart.

Now, as the Panthers and Maroon Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, they’ll take the field with a renewed sense of pride, and better protection.

It’s hard to measure what that will mean on the scoreboard. But the psychological edge of knowing your school is being supported at the highest levels?

That’s priceless.

Related: Alabama State Baseball Turns Heads With One-of-a-Kind Hornets Nest Vibe (Exclusive)

What Comes Next: The Call to Keep Showing Up

While the new helmets mark a huge win, this can’t be the end.

If other NFL owners and sports brands are paying attention, this is their cue. Don’t wait for the spotlight to shine on HBCUs. Help build the infrastructure behind it.

Support shouldn’t be seasonal. It should be consistent, through facilities, staffing, scholarships, and safety.

Arthur Blank didn’t just donate helmets. He started a conversation. Now it’s time for others to answer.

HBCU football fans already know the value these schools bring to sports, culture, and society. They’ve been showing up for years. It’s time more people, and institutions, to show up for them, too.

Related: Shannon Harris makes history with dual HBCU and UFL coaching roles

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.