Utah's starting quarterback, Devon Dampier, is making waves off the gridiron by manifesting his belief in lending a hand wherever possible. The power player from a Power Four institution isn't all about touchdown passes and game day glory; he's also about giving back to his community, especially those who may be playing with a stacked deck against them. Dampier's recent outreach to North Canyon High School's football team in Phoenix, Arizona, where his brother attends, is a reminder of the impact athletes can have beyond their personal stats and highlights reels.
"I've been at that school a couple times," Dampier said, according to University of Utah Athletics, and "[they're] just a little bit less fortunate than the high school I grew up in." Recognizing the financial hurdles of high school sports, Dampier stepped up, much to the delight of North Canyon's head coach, Anthony Johns. "Football is expensive and it's hard to raise funds, especially in high school," Johns relayed, noting the considerable relief brought about by Dampier's generosity in providing new uniforms for his team. It was an act that lessened the stress of fundraising that plagues many high school athletic programs.
For Devon, who spends downtime with his brother's friends and teammates, the gesture was about making a real difference for kids he knows personally. "He's going into a senior year," Dampier shared in his encounters with his brother's social circle. "He's very social, so his friends come over and I get to meet his friends and the people who are there and I give back any time I can," as per University of Utah Athletics. This personal connection adds weight to Dampier's philanthropy, fostering a genuine bond between the college star and the high school players.
Indeed, the response from the Rattlers was as authentic as it gets. "They're great," Dampier reflected on their reaction, emphasizing the deep appreciation and countless thank-yous he received. "You can obviously tell that they are very grateful for what I did for them." As an emblem of their gratitude, the Rattlers stay tuned to Utah's games, holding Dampier in high regard, both as a benefactor and as an athlete. Johns expressed his profound thanks for Dampier's support, telling University of Utah Athletics, "We're blessed and we're happy and we couldn't be thankful enough." The players' spirited reaction and the strong ties with their benefactor hint at a last, season-long camaraderie between the high school and the college quarterback.
