For generations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been more than just institutions of higher learning—they’ve been pillars of opportunity. Born out of necessity in a time when Black students were barred from attending predominantly white institutions, HBCUs have produced some of the most influential minds in history. From civil rights leaders to world-class athletes, these schools have long been a launching pad for Black excellence.

Athletics, in particular, has played a crucial role. HBCUs were once a dominant force in college sports, producing legends like Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, and Doug Williams—icons who shattered barriers and redefined their games. But as the decades passed, funding disparities widened, and many of these programs found themselves fighting just to stay afloat.

Now, that fight has become even more urgent. Schools like Talladega College are being forced to cut entire sports programs due to financial struggles, leaving student-athletes without a team—and without a future in their sport. That’s where Joe Burrow comes in. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, known for his advocacy and commitment to social justice, has stepped up with a major initiative to help keep HBCU athletics alive. And his timing couldn’t be more critical.

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Joe Burrow calls for urgent funding to keep HBCU athletics alive

Talladega College, an HBCU in Alabama, just confirmed it’s shutting down six sports programs due to a lack of funding. According to HBCU Sports, the school is dropping men’s volleyball, acrobatics, and tumbling, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s indoor track. School officials admitted they launched these programs without practicality, which has revealed they weren’t financially sustainable. Now, athletes who once proudly competed for their school are left without a team. Several HBCUs have been forced to cut sports programs due to financial struggles. Burrow is all loud and vocal about social justice and educational equity, and now he’s putting his money where his goal is. He doesn’t want student-athletes at HBCUs to lose the opportunities they’ve worked so hard for.

But is it only a Talladega College problem? Guess not, it’s an HBCU-wide crisis. The reports show that HBCUs receive far less funding than other prominent white institutions, which makes it harder to compete in the athletic programs. Many schools don’t have the resources for scholarships, top-tier facilities, or, in a few cases, even basic operations. Without external help, more HBCU-affiliated colleges will cut sports programs, leaving student-athletes without a career in sports.

It takes a village…

Burrow aims to provide financial support to keep HBCU sports alive. But, deep in his heart, he knows an individual alone can’t resolve this issue. That is why he is taking a different approach. His initiative is to source more funding. Be it from institutions, corporate sponsors, or philanthropists.

Recently, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase won the 2025 FedEx Air and Ground Player of the Year! For its celebration, FedEx, in association with Burrow, donated $40,000 in his name to HBCUs across the U.S. to support student-athletes. If more high-profile athletes and organizations follow his lead, struggling programs might just have a chance to survive.

HBCUs are vital institutions established for college athletics. They focus on producing top-tier talent by providing opportunities for students who might not have them otherwise. As we know how badly losing sports programs can impact competition. It affects scholarships, school spirit, and the student experience. Joe Burrow’s initiative is in the right direction. But more action is required to push HBCU athletics to get ahead instead of just surviving. We simply cannot let a core part of America’s history fade away like this.