Auburn Star EDGE Keldric Faulk Donates Part of His NIL Earnings to Support Struggling Walk-On Teammate in Heartfelt Gesture

In an era where college football players are securing lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Auburn Tigers edge rusher Keldric Faulk is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in sacks or tackles—but in heart, character, and brotherhood. In a selfless act that has sent waves of inspiration throughout the Auburn community and beyond, Faulk made the decision to donate a significant portion of his NIL earnings to assist one of his walk-on teammates who has faced financial hardships.

The walk-on player—whose name is being respectfully withheld at Faulk’s request—is a hardworking contributor to the Tigers program, often working behind the scenes, showing up to every practice, and giving his all for the team despite not receiving a scholarship. While walk-ons often live in the shadows of scholarship athletes, Faulk’s actions have thrust this teammate’s sacrifice and dedication into the spotlight, reminding fans that every player on the roster matters.

Faulk, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound sophomore out of Highland Home, Alabama, emerged as a defensive force last season and entered 2025 with high expectations. As his profile rose, so did his NIL opportunities. With endorsements, sponsorships, and appearances piling up, Faulk quickly found himself in a position that many of his teammates could only dream of. Yet amid all the fame and fortune coming his way, he never lost sight of where he came from—or who helped get him there.

In a media appearance following Auburn’s summer training camp, Faulk was asked about the biggest influence on his offseason. Instead of talking about a coach, mentor, or NFL idol, Faulk brought up his walk-on teammate.

“That guy’s got heart,” Faulk said. “He shows up every day with the same intensity, same drive, same commitment—even though he’s not getting a dime. I’ve seen him stay up late working side jobs, eating less just to save money, grinding with no recognition. That’s what this team is about. That’s what family is.”

It wasn’t long after that interview that Faulk met privately with Auburn’s NIL compliance team and asked how he could help his teammate without violating NCAA or school rules. After weeks of navigating the proper channels, the green light was given: Faulk could use his earnings to directly assist his teammate through an approved grant process overseen by Auburn’s athletic department.

The sum donated was not disclosed, but sources within the program suggest it was enough to cover a full semester’s tuition, housing, and meals—relieving a burden that had weighed heavily on the walk-on and his family. Faulk has also expressed interest in helping other teammates down the road, either through donations, mentorship, or by using his platform to advocate for walk-on support programs.

“I’m blessed to be where I am,” Faulk said. “But what good is it if I can’t help the people who helped me get here? That’s just how I was raised.”

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was visibly emotional when speaking on Faulk’s gesture during SEC Media Days.

“Keldric is a warrior on the field, no doubt about it,” Freeze said. “But off the field, he’s something even more special. We talk about culture, leadership, and brotherhood here at Auburn. What Keldric did—that’s leadership in its purest form. He didn’t do it for attention. He didn’t do it for clicks. He did it because it was right.”

Word of the donation spread rapidly through social media after a fellow Auburn player posted a cryptic tweet saying, “Some leaders talk. Some lead. #FaulkIsDifferent.” That tweet was followed by waves of support from fans, alumni, and even national commentators.

Former Auburn great and NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Greene’s widow, Tara Greene, even posted her thoughts on social media: “My husband would’ve loved this. Heart, humility, and sacrifice—this young man embodies the spirit of Auburn.”

Faulk’s gesture comes at a pivotal moment in the NIL era, where conversations often center around massive contracts, flashy sponsorships, and the widening gap between stars and their teammates. His actions serve as a counter-narrative—a reminder that money doesn’t have to separate locker rooms, and that athletes can uplift each other in powerful ways.

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum commented on the story during a recent segment, calling Faulk’s actions “a powerful reminder that there’s more to college football than just business.” He added, “What Keldric Faulk did might not get him a Heisman Trophy, but it just might make him a legend in that Auburn locker room forever.”

Back home in Highland Home, Faulk’s former high school coach David Phelps was not surprised by the news. “That’s who Keldric is. He’s always been about others,” Phelps said. “When he was a senior here, he used to mentor the freshmen. He stayed late to clean up the locker room, helped his teammates with homework. We all knew he was going to make it big—but we also knew he’d never forget who he was.”

Faulk has since become a vocal advocate for Auburn’s walk-on program. He’s reportedly in early discussions with local businesses to create a “Walk-On Warrior Fund,” aimed at raising money to support walk-on athletes with basic needs, training gear, travel expenses, and academic support. While nothing is official yet, the initiative is expected to gain traction with support from alumni and boosters.

For the walk-on player who received the donation, sources say his outlook has changed dramatically. While he remains anonymous, teammates say he’s been walking with a new energy, his head held high, and a fresh sense of belonging.

“He’s not just a walk-on anymore,” one teammate said. “He’s a brother. He always was—but now he knows it.”

The Auburn community is rallying behind both Faulk and his teammate, with students and faculty praising the story as one that encapsulates the true meaning of the Auburn Creed—a document that emphasizes hard work, mutual helpfulness, and the human touch.

“I believe in Auburn, and love it,” the Creed reads.

Thanks to Keldric Faulk, those words feel more real than ever.

Faulk’s NFL potential is undeniable—analysts project him as a first-round draft pick if he declares after this season—but his legacy at Auburn may already be secure. Not for a game-winning sack. Not for a flashy NIL deal. But for a quiet, powerful act of compassion that changed someone’s life forever.

As NIL continues to evolve and shape the college sports landscape, stories like Faulk’s remind us all of what truly matters: not just what athletes gain, but what they give.

And Keldric Faulk gave everything that counts.