In an incredible display of selflessness and school pride, Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome has given $450,000 to the University of Auburn Men’s Basketball Program in honor of his birthday. The collegiate basketball community and campus are celebrating this significant gesture.

In the age of NIL deals, endorsements, and social media celebrity, it’s rare to witness an act that blends humility, gratitude, and school pride so seamlessly. Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome turned heads across the collegiate sports world not for a record-breaking dunk or buzzer-beating shot—but for something arguably even more impactful. In celebration of his birthday, Broome announced a donation of $450,000 to the Auburn University Men’s Basketball Program, a move that has sent waves of admiration throughout the campus and the college basketball landscape.

The generosity of Broome’s gift is magnified by the context: he is still a student-athlete, not a multimillionaire NBA star. While many of his peers utilize their rising fame to secure their financial futures, Broome chose to give back—to invest in the program, the school, and the people who helped shape him.

Broome’s donation, confirmed by Auburn Athletics, is believed to be one of the largest ever made by an active college athlete to his university. Most gifts of this magnitude are reserved for alumni decades removed from their playing days, not players still suiting up in the orange and blue.

According to sources close to the program, Broome’s gift will be earmarked for facilities enhancement, team travel, nutritional programs, and educational support services. He made it clear that his intent was to “ensure future Tigers have the tools and resources to thrive both on and off the court.”

“It’s more than just basketball,” Broome said in a heartfelt birthday message. “Auburn has given me a family, a platform, and a second home. This is my way of saying thank you.”

Auburn’s campus erupted in celebration upon the announcement. Students, faculty, and fans gathered at Toomer’s Corner to write messages of gratitude on poster boards and walls near the arena. On social media, the hashtag #BroomeGivesBack began trending, not just in Alabama, but nationwide.

“I’ve been covering college sports for over 30 years,” said Auburn alum and ESPN college basketball analyst Jimmy Dykes. “I’ve never seen anything quite like this. Johni Broome isn’t just a leader on the floor—he’s a once-in-a-generation ambassador for what college sports can represent.”

Bruce Pearl, Auburn’s head coach, was visibly emotional during a press conference.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching many great young men, but Johni Broome is in a league of his own,” Pearl said. “He didn’t have to do this. He chose to. That says everything you need to know about his character.”

Pearl went on to note that Broome’s example is likely to inspire not only his teammates but also donors, alumni, and community members to consider what they can give back to the program.

A native of Plant City, Florida, Johni Broome transferred to Auburn from Morehead State, where he had already earned a reputation as a dominant force in the paint. Since joining the Tigers, he has evolved into one of the most complete big men in the country, known for his footwork, rebounding, and defensive prowess.

But his impact has never been limited to the hardwood. Broome has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, a regular presence at community service events, and a mentor to younger players both on and off the team.

“He talks the talk, but more importantly, he walks the walk,” said Auburn athletic director John Cohen. “Whether it’s helping the local food bank or reading to elementary school kids, Johni is always there. This donation is simply another example of his leadership and commitment.”

Broome’s $450,000 donation was made possible, in part, through income he has earned via Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While the NCAA’s recent policy changes have allowed athletes to profit off their fame, Broome’s decision to redirect those earnings toward his program marks a profound moment in NIL history.

In recent months, the NIL landscape has drawn criticism for fueling self-interest, school-hopping, and widening the gap between haves and have-nots. Broome’s gesture counters that narrative, demonstrating that these earnings can also be used to uplift entire communities.

“I was blessed to have opportunities because of NIL,” Broome said. “But with great opportunity comes responsibility. I want to be a part of building something lasting at Auburn—not just for me, but for every Tiger that comes after.”

Inside the Auburn locker room, the mood was jubilant—but also reflective.

“I’ve always looked up to JB as a leader,” said freshman forward Chase McDowell. “But after today, I want to follow in his footsteps in more ways than one.”

Senior guard K.D. Johnson echoed those sentiments, calling Broome’s gesture “the most unselfish act I’ve ever seen from a teammate.”

“You hear all this stuff about players chasing the bag,” Johnson added. “Broome just showed the world that giving back is the real flex.”

The Tigers plan to commemorate Broome’s contribution with a permanent plaque inside Neville Arena, recognizing his donation and influence on Auburn Basketball.

Broome’s donation not only cements his legacy at Auburn—it may change the way future players approach their role in the ecosystem of college sports.

“This opens the door to a new kind of athlete-philanthropist,” said sports economist Dr. Alicia Monroe from Vanderbilt University. “For decades, schools have relied on deep-pocketed boosters to keep programs afloat. Now, with NIL, players themselves can reinvest directly into the systems that support them.”

Broome’s gift could set a precedent. Already, athletes from programs like Kansas, Michigan, and Texas have expressed admiration and even hinted at exploring similar actions in the future.

“If every star player gave just 5-10% of their NIL earnings back to their school, the impact could be revolutionary,” Monroe added.

Auburn has long prided itself on being a family—a tight-knit community where loyalty, humility, and service are the cornerstones of its identity. Broome’s donation is perhaps the clearest example yet that the culture isn’t just a marketing slogan.

University President Dr. Christopher Roberts released a statement praising Broome for his “unparalleled generosity and embodiment of Auburn values.”

“In one act, Johni Broome has reinforced the true spirit of Auburn,” Roberts wrote. “We are not just proud of the athlete he is—we are proud of the man he’s become.”

As a token of appreciation, the university will host a “Broome Day” celebration later this spring, inviting students, alumni, and the community to recognize his contribution. Free admission to the event, food trucks, live music, and meet-and-greet sessions with the team are all planned to mark the occasion.

Johni Broome’s future may include the NBA, international play, or even a professional path outside of sports. But no matter where his career takes him, his impact at Auburn is indelible.

“I want to win games, win titles, and one day play at the next level,” Broome said. “But when I leave here, I want people to say I helped build something special—that I left it better than I found it.”

He already has.

With the men’s basketball program on an upward trajectory, recruiting at a high level, and facility upgrades in motion, Broome’s investment could help spark a new golden era in Auburn hoops.

Johni Broome may have started his birthday by receiving well-wishes, cakes, and cheers, but he ended it by giving back something far more valuable: hope, opportunity, and a legacy that will outlive any stat line.

In an era where headlines are too often dominated by scandals, transfers, and paydays, Broome gave the sport a different kind of headline—one defined by gratitude, purpose, and vision.

And in doing so, he reminded everyone—from fans to fellow athletes—what college basketball is really all about.