Campaign Title: The Robby Long Legacy Scholarship Fund: Supporting Brayden Long’s Future

Introduction:

Robby Long was more than a teammate, coach, and friend; he was a pillar of inspiration and a guiding force in the lives of so many. Robby’s passion for football was matched only by his dedication to helping young people achieve greatness, both on and off the field. In honor of his remarkable life and enduring legacy, Honorable Illini Inc. is launching The Robby Long Legacy Scholarship Fund to support his beloved 9-year-old son, Brayden Long, ensuring that Robby’s spirit of encouragement and empowerment lives on.

About Robby Long:

• A Centennial High School Hall Of Famer: Robby grew up in Champaign-Urbana, IL, where he attended Centennial High School. He was a standout football player who embodied teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. He was inducted into the Centennial Athletic Hall of Fame February 6, 2021.

• Illini Family: Robby earned a football scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he played alongside countless teammates who became lifelong friends. Robby embodied the spirit of the Illini brotherhood by acknowledging former Illini players and coaches birthdays on Facebook’s Illini4Life private alumni page.

• Coach & Mentor: After his playing days, Robby served as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois and went on to become Head Coach at DePauw University. His leadership inspired athletes to succeed not just on the field, but in life.

• A Heart for Kids: Beyond his accomplishments in athletics and his career in logistics, Robby was deeply committed to mentoring young people, teaching them values like resilience, discipline, and kindness. As a board member of Honorable Illini, Robby was instrumental in organizing the Honorable Illini youth football combine and skills camp at his high school Centennial July 13, 2024.

Our Goal:

The Robby Long Legacy Scholarship Fund aims to provide Brayden with financial support for his education and future endeavors. Through this fundraiser, we will help ensure that Brayden has access to the opportunities his father would have worked tirelessly to give him.

How You Can Help:

We are calling on Robby’s friends, former teammates, colleagues, and the entire community to rally behind Brayden and the Long family during this difficult time. Your donations will not only honor Robby’s life but also carry forward his legacy of helping young people succeed.

Ways to Donate:

• Online Donations: Visit www.honorableilliniinc.org to contribute securely. Donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170.

• Check Contributions: Make checks payable to Honorable Illini Inc., noting “Robby Long Legacy Fund” in the memo line.

• Corporate Matching: Check with your employer to see if your donation can be matched.

Special Event:

To further celebrate Robby’s life and build the scholarship fund, we will host the Robby Long Legacy Football & Mentorship Camp in the summer of 2025 at Centennial High School. This camp will bring together former Illini players, coaches, and community members to mentor young athletes—something Robby was passionate about. Proceeds will directly benefit the scholarship fund.

Testimonies:

Share your favorite pictures, memories of Robby or words of encouragement for Brayden. Submit them at info@honorableilliniinc.org and we’ll compile them into a tribute book for Brayden to cherish forever.

Closing:

Let’s come together to honor the incredible life of Robby Long by investing in the future of his son, Brayden. Robby’s legacy lives on through each of us who carry forward his values of mentorship, teamwork, and giving back.

Thank you for your generosity and support in keeping Robby’s memory alive while making a lasting impact on Brayden’s life.

Contact Information:

For more information or questions, please contact Honorable Illini Inc. at info@honorableilliniinc.org or contact T.Y. Douthard at 813-369-2337.