More than a game

Honor the past.Support the person.Shape what’s next.

The Charles White Foundation exists to help athletes and their families navigate life beyond competition—with dignity, knowledge, and a community that stays with them.

Discover Our Purpose

“This isn’t about changing the game. It’s about changing what happens after the game.”

Lifelong Well-BeingPhysical, mental, and brain-health support.

Family EducationTools for the people who stand beside athletes.

Successful TransitionsGuidance for identity, work, and purpose after sports.

Lasting LegacyHonoring impact on the field and beyond it.

The man behind the mission

A legacy of strength and perseverance.

Charles White gave everything he had to football. His story is one of extraordinary achievement, human complexity, family love, and the belief that every athlete deserves support for the whole journey.

Charles White · 1958–2023

A champion’s legacy is measured by more than achievements on the field. It lives on in the people they inspire long after the game is over.

The 1979 Heisman Trophy winner became one of college football’s most celebrated running backs. The foundation carries his fighting spirit forward by helping athletes and families prepare for the seasons of life that follow competition.

1979Heisman Trophy

6,245USC career rushing yards*

9NFL seasons

Charles White carrying the football for USC — Fight on · USC

Charles White breaking through defenders — Strength in motion

Charles White speaking to the press with the Heisman Trophy nearby — A lasting voice

What we’re building

Care for the whole athlete.

Our developing programs are designed around a simple truth: support should not end when the uniform comes off. Each initiative will connect athletes and families with practical education, trusted resources, and human support.

Athlete Well-Being

Education and resource navigation for physical health, mental wellness, brain health, and the long-term realities of high-performance sport.

Family Support

Clear information and compassionate guidance for spouses, parents, children, and caregivers supporting an athlete through change.

Life After Sports

Mentorship and transition support focused on identity, education, career direction, purpose, and renewed confidence beyond competition.

No Player Left Behind

We stand with the people who make the game great.

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Lead with education

Make complex health and transition information easier for families to understand and act on.

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Connect the community

Bring together athletes, families, universities, leagues, clinicians, and trusted community partners.

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Protect every legacy

Celebrate what athletes gave to the game while helping them build a healthy and meaningful next chapter.

Join the movement

Be part of what comes next.

The foundation is building its first wave of programs and partnerships. Your support can help turn a family’s lived experience into lifelong resources for the athlete community.

GiveHelp launch education, outreach, and athlete-support initiatives.

PartnerBring expertise, services, and community reach to the mission.

ShareHelp more athletes and families know they are not alone.