Lagway's legend grows with donations to women's sports, local youth
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It may be the offseason, but DJ Lagway is still making plays in Gainesville. And while his good deeds are getting a lot of publicity, Lagway isn’t looking to score brownie points.
“He’s got a sincere care for people,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. “And I think that he’s mature enough to know that’s what life’s about.”
Earlier this month, Lagway personally made a six-figure donation to UF women’s sports teams on International Women’s Day. The Gators’ NIL collective, Florida Victorious, will split up the dollars between gymnastics, women’s basketball, softball and volleyball.
Florida softball coach Tim Walton reposted Lagway’s video announcement with the following message:
“To have a young man on our campus with the type of character to recognize Champions in women sports is so amazing. Derek Lagway you are 1 of 1 and I tip my cap to you! Thank you for leading by example and opening up opportunities for so many young gator women.”
Florida’s starting quarterback also launched the DJ Lagway Foundation and raised $50,000 at his kickoff dinner on March at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille. Lagway’s foundation announced Tuesday that the money will be donated to UF Health community programs for local youth.
“Growing up, my family has always prioritized giving back to the community, and we’ve seen the impact it can make,” Lagway said in a statement. “Through NIL, I have the chance to be part of that change, to use this opportunity for good. And I’m so thankful for everyone who joined us at the foundation kickoff dinner. Seeing this event come to life, and knowing how the funds we raised will benefit the local community is just the start of what we can accomplish together.”
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Lagway’s kickoff dinner included a silent and live auction. Painter Alex Ruiz created a 10-minute mural of Lagway, which sold for $9,000, and another piece fetched nearly $7,000 for the cause. The event was organized in collaboration with NETWORK, Lagway’s talent management and marketing agency.
Napier shared his reaction to Lagway’s foundation and using his NIL to make donations that benefit the Gainesville community.
“Just an incredible amount of respect for it. I think that I’ve told you guys many times what impressed me about DJ is I knew him before what he’s become today,” Napier said. “I think that his ability to navigate the attention, the praise, the hype, to stay grounded, to keep that humility and that big picture perspective, I think ultimately he’s a reflection of his parents, the values that he was taught growing up. And I think he’s got a maturity to be able to back up and see the big picture and kind of live life that way.
“I think it’s one of the reasons why he’s a great competitor. Because he can navigate that — it’s not too big for him. … I think he’s using this platform in the way that was intended. I know his family is very proud of that. His mom and dad are very unique in that regard. So it doesn’t surprise me, and I would tell you that I think it’s just the beginning. I think this guy will continue to be that type of leader, that type of example. So we’re extremely proud of him and the approach he’s taken.”
