“Sam is not just a special player but also a special person!” Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham said in December. “His willingness to sacrifice for his teammates, both on and off the field, is what makes him truly exceptional and a great role model for future Sun Devils.” There have always been instances of how selfless Sam Leavitt is. And fast forward to May 2025, it’s safe to say his HC’s words aged like fine wine. 

Sam Leavitt, the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, led Arizona State to a 10-2 record and a shot at the conference title against Iowa State. But that’s not what has fans talking. It’s what he isn’t doing that makes him stand out in an NIL era full of players chasing the highest bidder.

On May 24, rivalsdotcom posted a clip of the Sun Devils QB at youth camp giving a shout-out to the program’s “culture, the trust and the belief, each other, the coaching staff.” “Why would you not want to be in a situation where you know exactly what’s going on?” he said. “Who cares if you get paid a couple hundred thousand dollars less when you know you got a shot to play in the NFL and make ten times more money?” That’s not really something you hear every day from a top-15 NIL-valued QB. 

Sam Leavitt’s name sits with a $3 million valuation on On3’s NIL leaderboard. Yet, he’s not stashing every dime. Last December, he announced he’d be giving 100% of his merchandise royalties back to Arizona State’s Sun Angel Collective — the very NIL arm that helped fund his endorsement opportunities. While others are cashing checks, he is investing back into a program that believed in him. His stats back up the hype — 63% completion rate, 2,444 passing yards, 21 TDs, 350 rushing yards, and four rushing scores. 

Sam Leavitt orchestrated ASU’s best season since their 1996 Rose Bowl run and secured their first playoff appearance. And off the field, he’s snagged deals with Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers, a local car dealership, and of course, the Sun Angel Collective. But his endgame isn’t luxury, it’s legacy. And legacy isn’t just about football for Leavitt. 

Sam Leavitt’s 5-figure gesture serves a bigger purpose

On Saturday, Sam Leavitt presented a $15,000 donation to the Pat Tillman Foundation after hosting a youth football camp alongside WR Jordyn Tyson. “It’s a big thing for me and my family,” he said. “I got a cousin who’s a green beret, and it means a lot to me. It’s a big time story at ASU, so to be able to do that and then give back in a situation where I’m helping kids out at the same time, it just makes me feel like a better person.” 

Tillman Foundation CEO Katherine Steele couldn’t recall a player giving back like this before. “From one of these (young kids) that really wants to invest in the foundation and the legacy of Pat 21 years later, haven’t seen it before,” she told Arizona Sports. “I’m really glad that Sam’s here kind of taking the stage for us.”

As for Sam Leavitt, he has a clear vision. “I want to have a statue here and make Arizona State something that it’s never been before,” he said. On and off the field, Sam Leavitt isn’t chasing the bag. He’s chasing greatness. And Arizona State’s got a gem who’s all for the greater good.