Zaven Collins Makes Major Gift to Tulsa Football

mike33692
1 hour ago
3 min read

Tulsa football player in blue jersey #22 crouches on the field, focused before the play.

Zaven Collins Makes Major Gift to Tulsa Football Program

Former University of Tulsa standout and current NFL linebacker Zaven Collins has made a significant financial gift to Tulsa Football, investing in the program where his path to professional football began.

The university says the gift will support the continued growth of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane football program, including resources designed to improve the student-athlete experience as college athletics continues to change.

Zaven Collins Gives Back to Tulsa Football

Collins said his time at the University of Tulsa provided the foundation for much of the success that followed.

“When I look back on my journey, Tulsa was the foundation for so much of my success,” Collins said. “The coaches, teammates and people throughout the university invested in me every step of the way.”

Collins said the gift is his opportunity to give back while helping strengthen the future of Tulsa Football.

The university did not disclose the dollar amount of the contribution but described Collins' donation as a transformational investment in the athletics program.

Tulsa Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Moore said the contribution will create opportunities for future Golden Hurricane student-athletes both on and off the field.

The gift comes as universities nationwide navigate a rapidly changing college athletics landscape, making financial support from alumni, donors and former athletes increasingly important to maintaining competitive programs.

Collins said he hopes his contribution encourages other people connected to Tulsa to become involved in building the program for future generations.

Zaven Collins Became One of Tulsa's Most Decorated Players

Before reaching the NFL, Zaven Collins built one of the most accomplished résumés in Tulsa Football history.

His 2020 season turned Collins into one of the country's most dominant defensive players.

In just eight games, Collins recorded 54 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns while also recording a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a safety.

Collins won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, both recognizing the nation's top defensive player. He also received the Lombardi Award and was unanimously selected as the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

He earned consensus All-America honors while helping Tulsa produce one of the most successful seasons in the program's history.

The performance ultimately helped make Collins a first-round NFL Draft selection.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Collins with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, making him the first Tulsa player selected in the first round since 1977.

Tulsa Football Gift Supports Future Golden Hurricane Players

University leaders say the Zaven Collins Tulsa Football gift represents something larger than one former player's financial contribution.

It also highlights the connection Tulsa hopes to maintain with former student-athletes after their playing careers end.

University of Tulsa President Stacy Leeds said Collins' support helps ensure the school can continue providing a high-level experience for its student-athletes.

Former Tulsa athletic director and interim president Rick Dickson, who retired in June 2026, called Collins' contribution a demonstration of the pride alumni continue to have in the university and its athletic programs.

For Tulsa Golden Hurricane Athletics, that alumni involvement could become increasingly valuable as schools compete for players, resources and facilities in the modern NCAA environment.

Collins said his motivation ultimately goes back to the opportunity Tulsa gave him.