In a city where football heroes are cherished like family, few names hold as much weight as Tee Martin—the quarterback who led the University of Tennessee Volunteers to their historic 1998 national championship. But now, more than two decades after that legendary season, Martin has done something even more extraordinary.
In a surprise announcement that stunned the local community and rippled through national headlines, Martin revealed that he is donating his entire $89 million personal fortune to fund a groundbreaking housing initiative for the homeless in Knoxville.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,” Martin said at a press conference held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. “And I always told myself—if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way. No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk.”
With that one powerful statement, Tee Martin—a champion on the field—is now being hailed as a champion of hope and humanity off it.
Martin’s $89 million gift is being used to launch The HomeField Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Tennessee that will develop:
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150 permanent supportive housing units
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300 emergency shelter beds
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A community resource campus offering job training, addiction recovery, childcare, and mental health services
The multi-phase development will be built on a 14-acre plot near downtown Knoxville—land that the city agreed to donate for the project following Martin’s pledge.
“This is the largest private contribution to combat homelessness in Tennessee’s history,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon, who appeared alongside Martin at the announcement. “What Tee is doing isn’t just generous—it’s visionary. He’s giving people their lives back.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with the first 100 housing units and shelter beds opening by the end of that year.
Tee Martin’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Martin often talks about the struggles of his childhood—growing up in a single-parent household, watching friends and neighbors fall into poverty, addiction, and housing insecurity.
“My mom worked two jobs to keep us afloat,” Martin said. “There were nights when we didn’t know if the lights would stay on or if the rent could get paid. And I’ve never forgotten that.”
Martin credits football—and the scholarship he received to play at the University of Tennessee—for opening the door to a different life. After leading the Vols to the national title and a brief NFL career, he moved into coaching and broadcasting. Over the years, he built up his wealth through coaching contracts, endorsements, and savvy investments.
But rather than retire comfortably or build a luxury lifestyle, Martin had something else in mind.
“I kept thinking: What does legacy mean?” he said. “It’s not trophies. It’s not money. Legacy is how many lives you touch.”
The $89 million donation will fully fund the construction and operations of the HomeField Project for its first 10 years. The development is being designed by CommunityWorks, a national nonprofit specializing in affordable and transitional housing.
Here’s what the project includes:
These apartment-style units will be offered to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness. Each unit will have a kitchen, bathroom, and access to case management.
The shelter wing will offer nightly housing, meals, hygiene facilities, and emergency healthcare access. It will be open 24/7 and staff-trained in trauma-informed care.
Community Resource Campus
A 25,000-square-foot facility will house:
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Job readiness and vocational training classrooms
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Substance abuse recovery programs
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Childcare and early education for families
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Legal aid and housing navigation services
“It’s not just a shelter. It’s a path forward,” said Karen Dorsey, Executive Director of CommunityWorks. “Tee didn’t just write a check—he helped us shape a real, working model for recovery and reintegration.”
Within hours of Martin’s announcement, tributes began pouring in.
Phillip Fulmer, Martin’s former coach, called him a “man of unmatched heart and vision.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a statement praising the gift as “a milestone for the entire state.”
On the streets of Knoxville, where the housing crisis has become increasingly visible, those affected expressed disbelief—and gratitude.
James C., a 58-year-old Vietnam veteran who has lived in his car since 2021, wiped away tears when told about the project. “Tee’s a man of God,” he said. “He didn’t forget us.”
Volunteers and outreach workers at Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), one of the city’s largest service providers for the homeless, say the HomeField Project is exactly what the city needs.
“Emergency shelters are essential, but they’re just step one,” said Laura Knight, a case manager at KARM. “We need real homes. We need community. Tee Martin is giving us both.”
Knoxville has been grappling with a sharp rise in homelessness over the past five years. According to the Knoxville Homeless Management Information System (HMIS):
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Nearly 1,200 people in Knox County are homeless on any given night
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64% are unsheltered (sleeping in tents, cars, or outdoors)
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The fastest-growing segment is families with children
Affordable housing is scarce. Rents have risen by more than 30% since 2019, while incomes for low-wage workers have barely budged.
Martin says he chose Knoxville for both emotional and practical reasons.
“This city gave me everything,” he said. “From the scholarship to the fans to the coaches who believed in me—it’s only right that I give back here.”
While this donation may be new, Martin has been giving back for years. Through the Tee Martin Foundation, he has supported youth sports leagues, educational scholarships, and mentorship programs in Knoxville and beyond.
In 2022, his annual golf tournament raised over $90,000 for local students. In 2023, he funded a literacy initiative at five elementary schools. But until now, his work had been relatively low-profile.
“I’ve never been big on publicity,” he admitted. “But I realized—sometimes you’ve got to go big if you want to make people listen.”
And listen, they did.
Within 48 hours of Martin’s announcement, the University of Tennessee pledged an additional $3 million in support services, while a consortium of local businesses and churches pledged another $7 million in matching funds.
Experts say Martin’s approach—combining housing, services, and strategic funding—could serve as a national model.
“Too often, celebrity giving is one-time and disjointed,” said Dr. Alicia Freeman, a nonprofit strategist at Vanderbilt University. “Tee’s gift is thoughtful, targeted, and rooted in long-term change.”
Several NFL players and former college athletes have already reached out to Martin to learn more, according to his team. There are early talks about replicating the HomeField Project in other cities across the South.
In 1998, Tee Martin became a Tennessee legend for winning the big game. In 2025, he’s become something even more powerful: a builder of futures.
At the press conference, he ended his remarks with the same calm confidence he once used in a fourth-quarter huddle:
“I was proud to wear the orange and white. But I’m even prouder to do this. We’re not just giving people a bed. We’re giving them a reason to believe.”
The HomeField Project is currently accepting volunteers, partners, and contributions. Visit HomeFieldKnox.org to learn more or make a donation.
Some athletes are remembered for their records. Others, like Tee Martin, will be remembered for redefining what it means to win. Not just on the scoreboard—but in the lives of people most often overlooked.
As Knoxville begins its journey to becoming a model city for housing and compassion, the message is clear: greatness doesn’t stop when the games end. Sometimes, it’s just getting started.
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