How NFL legend LeRoy Butler is helping other parents give their kids a stable future through college education(Getty Images)
2026, Green Bay Packers legend LeRoy Butler partnered with Marian University to support single parents pursuing higher education. 36 jersey. 36 jersey to support a programme that helps single parents attend college while managing the responsibilities of raising children. Marian University announced the partnership on October 8, 2026. The campaign supports Marian University’s Working Families Grant Program, which began in 2002. In an October 12, 2026 announcement about a separate $10,000 contribution from SSM Health, Marian University shared figures through December 2025. The initiative had supported 324 parents and more than 500 children. A total of 244 participants had graduated, with the university reporting an 83.84% graduation rate. 36 jersey remains closely associated with his football career, but this campaign gives it another purpose by helping families work towards a college education and a better future.
Marian University has confirmed that a portion of the sales proceeds will support single-parent students. However, the university has not announced the total amount expected from the campaign or the exact contribution from each sale.
She raised five kids as a single mom and worked incredibly hard to give us opportunities and keep our family moving forward,” Butler said. In Oct. The former NFL safety joined the university in a fundraising campaign featuring a limited-edition pink No. A portion of the sales proceeds will benefit Marian’s Working Families Grant Program, which helps eligible single parents earn college degrees while raising their children. The initiative has a personal connection for Butler. His mother raised five children while working multiple jobs to support the family. Now, he is using his NFL platform to help other parents get opportunities that can benefit their entire families. Butler grew up watching his mother work hard to raise five children on her own. She took on multiple jobs to support the family and give her children opportunities for a better life. Her sacrifices stayed with him long after he became one of the most recognised players in Green Bay Packers history. That personal experience is behind his partnership with Marian University. Butler is using his famous No. The campaign features a limited-edition pink jersey available through Butler’s official website. A portion of the sales proceeds will go towards the university’s Working Families Grant Program. Butler spoke about his mother and explained why the initiative means so much to him. “My mom was my hero. He also explained how supporting a parent’s education can make a difference to an entire household. “I know what it means when someone believes in you and gives you a chance. That’s why this partnership with Marian University and the Working Families Grant Program means so much to me. When you help a single parent get an education, you’re not just helping one person, you’re helping an entire family and creating opportunities for the next generation. The campaign reflects something Butler experienced throughout his childhood. He saw the sacrifices his mother made to raise five children, and he now has an opportunity to support other parents working towards a better future for their families. It helps eligible single parents pursue bachelor’s degrees while managing the financial and personal responsibilities of raising children. Going to college can be difficult for parents who also have to pay for housing, food and childcare. The university’s programme aims to reduce some of that pressure through tuition assistance, living stipends and emergency financial support. Students can also receive mentoring, academic guidance and career development assistance. The programme has already reached hundreds of families. Butler’s jersey campaign adds another fundraising effort to the programme. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines The partnership also gives Butler an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices his mother made long before his NFL career began. She worked multiple jobs to raise five children, and her efforts helped give him the opportunity to pursue his ambitions. Now, the former Packers safety is using his platform to support parents who want to create similar opportunities for their children. His No. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.