Reece Vander Zee Supports Families Through the Oaklyn Foundation and Uses NIL to Make a Real Impact Off the Field Iowa City, Iowa Wide receiver Reece Vander Zee concentrated on routes, timing, and returning to full strength for the Hawkeyes when he took the practice field this fall. Beyond the helmets and yard lines, however, Vander Zee has been quietly creating something just as significant off the field: utilizing his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) platform to assist families facing one of life’s most difficult obstacles.
Vander Zee announced earlier this autumn that he would be making a charitable donation to the Oaklyn Foundation, a nonprofit that assists families who have lost a child with their funeral costs. The gesture, which goes well beyond standard NIL activations, reflects a strong sense of personal accountability that has characterized Vander Zee’s ascent as a Hawkeye and a member of the community.
Publicity wasn’t a factor in Vander Zee’s decision. It had to do with living out a conviction he had expressed since his early days in Iowa City. His faith and his belief in humility and service are reflected in the phrase “Be Different” that he frequently posts on social media alongside Luke 14:11. From his small hometown of Rock Rapids to one of the most promising receiving corps in the Big Ten, that mentality has led him.
In an interview with local supporters after the donation, Vander Zee stated, “I just want to use what I’ve been given to help others.” “I love playing football for Iowa and it’s amazing, but it’s worth it if I can even slightly assist a family in need.” His message struck a chord with the Hawkeye community even though it was first disseminated via social media rather than a formal press release.
The Oaklyn Foundation was established to assist bereaved families by working with funeral homes to cover burial services, caskets, urns, and other associated expenses; all contributions are given directly to those in need. These costs can be daunting, particularly following the death of a child, and Oaklyn’s goal is to make sure that financial difficulties don’t compound the emotional strain that families already bear.
”A donation that we pray helps soften the unspeakable hardship of losing a child by helping cover funeral expenses,” Vander Zee’s mother wrote in a heartfelt post that encapsulated the essence of the donation. The message served as a potent reminder that community support can have a significant impact even during life’s most trying times.
Many Hawkeye supporters saw Vander Zee’s initiative as a logical continuation of the “Iowa Nice” philosophy that permeates everything from downtown Iowa City to Kinnick Stadium. Vander Zee’s action stands out in a program that has welcomed NIL as an opportunity to empower student-athletes because it emphasizes the influence of college athletics as much as the strength of compassion.
His teammates have also taken notice. One Hawkeye football player, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I think what Reece did is special.” “It demonstrates that he is thinking about more than just himself—about the people in his immediate vicinity and the real world outside of football.” Such gestures serve as a reminder of the deeper connections athletes can make in a sport where statistics and touchdowns are usually the focus of headlines.
This season, Vander Zee has experienced his fair share of plot points while playing. He made a significant impact in Big Ten competition after missing several games due to a foot injury, catching or contributing in crucial moments and displaying resiliency that matched his character off the field.
However, the community has probably given him the most heartfelt recognition for his impact off the field. Not every athlete decides to use their platform for charitable endeavors in the competitive world of college sports and NIL deals. Vander Zee’s choice to sponsor funeral assistance through Oaklyn is indicative of a growing trend among Hawkeye athletes who are coming up with innovative ways to give back, such as educational programs and fundraisers for youth hospitals.
Admiration was the response from fans throughout Iowa. “Go Hawks!” is a cheer that is now rooted not only in victories and defeats but also in common values of kindness and community. It was echoed by social media comments, shout-outs from booster groups, and local supporters.
In response to Vander Zee’s donation, a local fan wrote, “Iowa Nice isn’t just a saying.” “It’s the way this program and its participants live on a daily basis.” The sentiment is indicative of a wider admiration for athletes such as Vander Zee who believe that their contribution to college athletics extends beyond the scoreboard.
As the season progresses and Vander Zee continues to perform on Saturdays, his donation to the Oaklyn Foundation serves as an enduring illustration of how NIL can be put to good use. It’s a tale about heart, service, and seizing every chance to encourage others that transcends receptions and routes.
Reece Vander Zee’s legacy may be determined by the lives he has touched with his generosity in a world where statistics are frequently used to define college athletes. He is a living example of how being unique frequently equates to being kind.
