Illinois P Blake Hayes to use NIL opportunity to support great cause

The new NIL rules are opening up many lucrative deals for college athletes but it’s also creating pathways to give back to worthy causes.

Illinois punter Blake Hayes is partnering with the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation for a special initiative this season.

Every punt by Hayes that lands inside the 20-yard line will result in him donating $15 dollars to help fight pediatric brain cancer.

Excited to announce that this year I will be donating $15 for every punt we land inside the 20 yard line to the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation (@_RCDFoundation) to help fight pediatric brain cancer! @IlliniFootball

To donate, follow the link:https://t.co/oLjhrvDeIJ pic.twitter.com/WLj0WWuGGc

— Blake Hayes (@hayesblake14) August 25, 2021

This is a such a thoughtful gesture and use of his platform by Hayes.

In his first four seasons at Illinois, Hayes has punted 258 times for an average of 43.4 yards. Hayes’ career long punt was a 70-yarder during the 2019 season.

Illinois kicks off the season on Aug. 28 with a home matchup vs. Nebraska (1 p.m. EST/FOX).