**Pickleball Legend Ben Johns Donates Entire \$7.5 Million Bonus to Charity, Focusing on Homeless Relief**
In a heartwarming gesture that has stunned the sports world and inspired fans across the globe, pickleball legend Ben Johns has donated his entire \$7.5 million bonus—excluding his salary and sponsorship earnings—to charitable causes, with a significant portion directed toward homelessness relief efforts.
At just 26 years old, Johns has long been considered the face of professional pickleball. Known for his dominance on the court, with more than 100 career titles and an unmatched strategic mind, Johns now adds another accolade to his name: humanitarian.
**A Selfless Act in a Competitive World**
In a press conference held Thursday morning in Naples, Florida—home of one of the sport’s largest annual tournaments—Johns confirmed the donation and emphasized the importance of giving back.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate,” Johns said. “Pickleball has given me more than I ever imagined—not just in terms of trophies and titles, but in relationships, life experience, and opportunity. With that comes a responsibility. I can’t just enjoy my blessings without acknowledging the struggle so many others face every day.”
Johns’ bonus came as part of a landmark payout following the merger of two professional pickleball leagues, in which he was a marquee athlete. Though many stars use such windfalls to invest in businesses or secure more personal luxuries, Johns took a different route—channeling every cent of the bonus toward charitable causes.
**Where the Money Is Going**
According to a statement released by Johns’ management team, the \$7.5 million is being distributed across a mix of national and grassroots organizations. Among the beneficiaries:
* **The National Alliance to End Homelessness**
* **Habitat for Humanity**
* **Feeding America**, with an emphasis on food insecurity among the unhoused
* Several **local shelters** in Maryland and Florida—places close to Johns’ heart
* A newly established **Ben Johns Housing Trust**, which will provide grants and housing vouchers for families at risk of eviction
Johns worked closely with advisors to ensure the funds are not only distributed efficiently but also sustainably. “We wanted to go beyond one-time donations,” he said. “It’s about building systems of support that last.”
**A Champion On and Off the Court**
Though pickleball has only recently emerged as a mainstream sport, Johns’ influence has been nothing short of revolutionary. He helped bring global attention to the game, earning millions in endorsements from companies like Franklin Sports, JOOLA, and Skechers. But his recent donation underscores that his legacy will stretch far beyond his athletic accomplishments.
Fellow athlete and frequent doubles partner Collin Johns, who is also Ben’s older brother, said he wasn’t surprised by the move.
“Ben has always had a huge heart,” Collin said. “He’s competitive, yes—but he’s grounded. He remembers where he came from, and he sees the bigger picture. That’s what makes him special.”
Fans, fellow athletes, and even political figures have praised the gesture online. U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge commended Johns in a social media post, writing: *“A powerful example of what sports and leadership can do for our communities. Thank you, Ben Johns, for showing what compassion in action looks like.”*
**A Wake-Up Call for the Sports World**
In an era where high-earning athletes often face scrutiny for lavish spending, Johns’ move is a stark contrast—one that many are calling a wake-up call to the broader sports community.
“This is one of the most selfless acts I’ve seen from a professional athlete,” said sports economist Dr. Karen Hollis. “Ben Johns isn’t just rewriting the record books—he’s rewriting the social contract between wealth and responsibility in professional sports.”
Indeed, while Johns remains focused on his upcoming season and an expected appearance at the 2025 USA Pickleball Nationals, his recent actions have earned him a new kind of title: that of a role model.
**Looking Ahead**
Asked if he planned to continue his philanthropic work beyond this bonus, Johns smiled.
“This isn’t the end. This is the beginning. My goal is to keep giving back—not just with money, but with time, influence, and action.”
As the sport of pickleball continues to grow in reach and popularity, its brightest star has set a shining example—not just of what it means to be a champion, but of what it means to be human.
In a world that often feels divided and indifferent, Ben Johns’ extraordinary generosity is a reminder that compassion, kindness, and responsibility still have a place—on and off the court.
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