SELFLESS: Razorbacks Football Standouts Taylen Green and Xavian Sorry Jr. Contribute Their Full $6.4 Million Bonuses to Transform a Shelter into a Permanent Home for Homeless Elderly Residents in Fayetteville
In an extraordinary act of generosity and community spirit, University of Arkansas Razorbacks football stars Taylen Green and Xavian Sorry Jr. have donated their entire combined bonuses of $6.4 million to a cause close to their hearts. The funds will be used to convert an aging temporary shelter in Fayetteville into a fully equipped, permanent housing facility for homeless senior citizens.
The project, which is set to begin construction this summer, will see the transformation of the existing shelter into a modern, comfortable residential complex. It will include private rooms, medical facilities, communal spaces, and round-the-clock care—designed specifically to support elderly residents who have faced chronic homelessness.
Green, a standout quarterback known for his leadership on and off the field, said the decision was inspired by a visit to the shelter last fall.
“I met a man named Clarence who had been on the streets for nearly 12 years,” Green said. “He reminded me of my grandfather. It hit me that no one deserves to live their final years in such conditions.
Similarly, Sorry Jr., a defensive powerhouse with a deep commitment to community service, shared that the idea came together after multiple conversations about purpose and legacy.
“As athletes, we get a lot of attention for what we do on the field,” he said. “But we wanted to use this platform for something much bigger than football. This is about dignity. These are people who’ve worked hard all their lives, and we want to give them a place they can finally call home.
The donation marks one of the largest personal contributions to a community project ever made by active college athletes, and it reflects a growing movement among student-athletes to leverage their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals for positive social change. Both Green and Sorry Jr. have secured lucrative NIL endorsements, making them among the highest-earning players in the SEC.
Their gesture has been widely praised by fans, teammates, and university officials.
“We are beyond proud of Taylen and Xavian,” said Razorbacks Head Coach Sam Pittman. “This speaks volumes about their character. They’ve shown that leadership isn’t just about what you do on the field—it’s about who you are when no one’s watching.
The facility, to be named the “Green & Sorry Home for Seniors,” is expected to open in early 2026 and will offer long-term care for up to 40 residents. In addition to basic housing, it will also provide access to healthcare, counseling, meals, and community engagement programs.
Local nonprofit organization HomeArk, which has operated the shelter for over a decade, will oversee the transformation. Executive Director Lila Mendoza expressed deep gratitude for the players’ contribution.
“This donation is more than just money—it’s a lifeline,” Mendoza said. “Thanks to Taylen and Xavian, dozens of elderly people will have a safe, warm place to live out their days with the care they deserve. It’s nothing short of life-changing.”
Construction planning is already underway, with input from social workers, urban planners, and members of the homeless community. The players have said they plan to stay closely involved in the project, from design consultations to fundraising events.
When asked why they chose to give the entire bonus rather than just a portion, Green smiled.
“We figured—why not go all in?” he said. “This isn’t charity. It’s a responsibility. If we’ve been blessed, it’s our duty to bless others.
