GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Before suiting up for the Florida Gators, Vernell Brown III made his mark at Jones High School in Orlando, a stop along his high school path that helped shape the player he’s become.
 
Now as a freshman wide receiver at UF, Brown is making sure the next generation of Jones Tigers have what they need to chase their dreams. He recently donated $7,250 of his NIL earnings to his alma mater’s football team to help buy new shoulder pads.
 
Brown presented the check to his former coaches and teammates at a recent home game.
 
“As far as donating the money, it was kind of a thing I always wanted to do, and I said I was going to do when I was still in high school,” said Brown. “I always wanted to give back to those who helped me and just inspire the youth and those who come after me.”
 
Jones offensive coordinator Dale Williams said Brown’s generosity is no surprise to anyone who knew him during his time in high school.
 
“We here at Jones pride ourselves on having good character, being a good person, a good son, or brother, or teammate, and Vernell embodies all of those things,” said Williams. “You can just see that in his freshman year he’s thinking about giving back and reaching back.”
 
The Tigers are off to a 4-2 start this season, and with new gear on the way, they’ll take the field knowing one of their own is still in their corner.


About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 850 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.