There’s something special brewing in Detroit! And it’s much bigger than a normal playoff story. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that community and purpose still matter in a big way for players. When two Michigan legends, Jalen Rose and Charles Woodson, get together, you know something meaningful is going down. And if you stick around, you’ll see how this reunion comes with a twist that could change thousands of young lives!

This time, Charles Woodson, NFL Hall of Famer and proud Wolverine, walked into the 15th Annual Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Celebrity Golf Classic. But this wasn’t just another red carpet event or charity golf swing. This was personal, there was a purpose to this visit. Woodson wasn’t just there to support his old friend, he was there to witness the unveiling of something huge. Something that’s going to reshape the education landscape in Detroit.

“My fellow Wolverine Jalen Rose is changing lives with his Jalen Rose Leadership Academy,” Woodson posted on Instagram, alongside photos of him with Jalen and other guests. “Today it was announced that the old Henry Ford hospital has been donated to JRLA for a new high school location.” The post captured the energy of the day and the deep respect between the two men. “Thanks for having me brotha and continue to change the world!!” he wrote, calling Jalen Rose a “pillar in the Detroit community.” And honestly, who could argue? On that very day, Henry Ford Health officially donated its former Kingswood Hospital, a 70,000 square-foot building, to the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. The plan? Turn it into a new high school that will take the academy’s impact to the next level.

But that wasn’t all. The moment between these two Michigan legends got even better when Rose gifted Woodson a Michigan Ross varsity jacket. In a video posted by Jalen Rose himself, he laughs and says, “Come on man, look at this Fab Five stuff… just in case you ever want to represent the college you went to… can boss up with that right there you know.” The bond is clear, they’re Wolverines at heart, brothers in purpose, and now… co-storytellers in something bigger than themselves. It was fun, it was real, and it reminded everyone watching that Detroit’s future is being built with love, legacy, and leadership.

And moments like this don’t come often. Woodson and Jalen Rose shared their moments on Instagram, and it was heartfelt. This move will see thousands of youth getting their life changed when this school comes to life.

The Jalen Rose Foundation School

Jalen Rose has been building something special since 2011. The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is not just another charter school, it is a movement. With over 400 current high schoolers and 1000 graduates in their 9–16 model, the academy is changing the game for Detroit youth. And now, with the gift of the Kingswood building, it is about to get even bigger.

The old hospital will be turned into a new high school with a full-sized gym and more space to grow. Construction starts later this year, and students are expected to move in within two years. The current JRLA site near Eight Mile and Greenfield will become a middle school. For the first time ever, JRLA will serve grades 6 through 12.

“Since I founded JRLA my singular focus has been to prepare our community’s young people to become leaders,” Jalen Rose said. “We are so very grateful to our friends at Henry Ford Health for giving us the perfect place to grow our family and impact.” The academy has also started a 20 million dollar capital campaign to fund the renovation. And events like the golf classic are important in keeping the dream alive.

Even when not on the court, Jalen Rose remains actively involved. And this is an effort to make the lives of the young generation in the Detroit community purposeful. “They’re disciplined they’re hardworking they want to be successful,” he said. “They have big goals big dreams and we’re here to help them chase them.” That is what JRLA is all about.

So if you have ever wondered what real community looks like look no further than Detroit. Thanks to Jalen Rose and a little Wolverine brotherhood, the kids of JRLA are on their way to something great.