As college athletes across the country begin taking advantage of the Supreme Court’s June 2021 ruling allowing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, a newly-signed OU Sooner quarterback is dedicating a percentage of his earnings to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.
General Booty, who comes to Norman after playing at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, recently notified Oklahoma Children’s Hospital of his support.
“My family has been a really good example to me my whole life, and we talked about the importance of giving back,” Booty said. “I have a special place in my heart for kids, so after my visit there, I knew Oklahoma Children’s Hospital would be where my support would go.”
Booty, a third-generation football player, is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana. His father, Abram Booty, is a former Louisiana State University wide receiver, his uncle, Josh Booty, is a former LSU and NFL quarterback and his other uncle, John David Booty, was a USC quarterback and Rose Bowl MVP during Pete Carroll’s coaching leadership.
“General is a great kid, with a big heart and full of faith,” said his father. “He knew Oklahoma Children’s Hospital could benefit from the partnership and made the decision to provide that support on his own.”
Booty’s family moved quite a bit while he was growing up and he attended four different high schools, including two in California and two in Texas, finishing his high school career at Allen, which is in the Dallas area. After high school, the quarterback played for Tyler Junior College, where he caught the eye of OU scouts. After a visit to Norman, he knew this was where he wanted to play.
Recently, the 20-year-old quarterback paid a visit to some Oklahoma Children’s Hospital patients.
“We have some young football fans going through health issues no one – let alone a child – should have to go through,” said Jon Hayes, hospital president. “Seeing the kids faces light up when General stopped by to hang out with them for a while was a great way to take their minds off where they are. We are delighted to not just have General supporting us through his merchandise sales, but just becoming engrained in what we do here. We can’t wait to see what he does on the football field.”
Booty is unveiling a website where fans can purchase shirts, hats and other memorabilia featuring his name, number and his brand “MTJN,” which stands for More Than Just a Name. “I have a unique name, but I’m also a good player,” Booty said. “That’s the connection … Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is more than a name. They are the best at what they do.
“I’m looking forward to coming back and hanging out with more of the kids … whether that means throwing a football around or doing arts and crafts.”
To purchase General Booty merchandise, go to mtjn.org.
For more information about Oklahoma Children’s Hospital visit oklahomachildrens.org.
