Tennessee players use NIL money to gift Dick Vitale's foundation $10,000 for cancer research

There are moments in sports that transcend the game, and broadcasting legend Dick Vitale got to experience one over the weekend while calling a game between Tennessee and Alabama.

Vitale, who only recently made his return to the airwaves after multiple health battles, was treated to a special gift by the Volunteers.

A handful of the team’s players got together and pooled some of their NIL money to help write a check for $10,000 for Vitale’s foundation for cancer research. Head coach Rick Barnes presented the check on their behalf while Dick Vitale was in town.

“They took a picture earlier today, they decided to use a little bit of their NIL money and they got you a check here for $10,000 for the V Foundation in your honor,” Barnes told Vitale. “And we’ve got the big check back there, but we didn’t know if there would be a time.”

Dick Vitale seemed shocked by the news, grabbing Barnes gently by the wrist as he presented the check. He then gave Barnes a loving kiss on the cheek, before beginning to find the words.

“C’mon, man. Seriously?” Vitale said. “Wow. That’s unbelievable.”

You can view video of the interaction below.

This weekend, Tennessee basketball players donated some of their NIL money to Dick Vitale’s foundation for cancer research.

The Vols and their coaches gave $10,000 in honor of Vitale as he returned to Rocky Top to call the Alabama-Tennessee game.

(🎥: @Vol_Hoops) pic.twitter.com/4toFcsqZPt

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 3, 2025

Dick Vitale spent nearly two years away from the broadcasting booth as he battled various health issues, including his fourth cancer diagnosis.

In June 2024, Vitale revealed he had been diagnosed with lymph node cancer and would undergo treatment. It was Vitale’s fourth battle with cancer since 2021, previously surviving lymphoma, melanoma and vocal cord cancer.

On Jan. 8, Vitale announced that he’d defeated cancer once again.

In 1993, Dick Vitale helped create the V Foundation for Cancer Research to honor his late friend and longtime NC State coach Jim Valvano. Over the course of 30 years, Vitale has helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research and inspired others through his own battles against the disease.

Tennessee’s donation will certainly help in that fight and is a heart-warming gesture by a selfless group of players.