Jameis Winston makes big donation to Miles College football program

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The football program at Miles College is on the receiving end of a big donation.

Hueytown native and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston presented Miles College president Bobbie Knight and Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin a check for $50,000, which will be used for upgrades within the football program.

Jameis Winston and Miles Coach Reginald Ruffin(Coach Ruffin)

“I am so honored to support Miles College,” Winston said. “Although I did not attend Miles College, we’ve had a longstanding relationship that has allowed me to touch the lives of thousands of youth from Birmingham and around the country. Miles has always had a special place in my heart because my mom is an alumna of this prestigious HBCU.”

Winston, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Florida State’s football team to a national championship and ultimately became the No. 1 selection in the 2015 National Football League draft, has built his own relationship with Miles over the past five years, hosting his Dream Foundation Football Camp at the school since 2016.

“Having someone of Jameis’ stature selflessly contribute to our growth here at Miles gives credence to what we are trying to accomplish, which is to give our student-athletes the best collegiate experience possible,” Knight said.