Tennessee Vols football star Bryce Underwood has invested a staggering $5.6 million to convert a large historic property into a shelter for homeless youth in Tennessee. The decision comes in the wake of a deeply personal and serious incident that reportedly opened Underwood’s eyes to the harsh realities facing vulnerable young people in his community. The 20-year-old quarterback, known for his athletic brilliance and leadership on the field, is now being praised for his off-field courage, compassion, and commitment to social change.
According to sources close to the Underwood family, the idea took root after Bryce encountered a homeless teenager sleeping behind a local gym in Knoxville. Moved by the conversation he had with the teen—who had aged out of the foster system and had nowhere to go—Underwood began looking into how widespread youth homelessness was in Tennessee. The statistics shocked him: over 14,000 minors and young adults in the state experience homelessness each year, many of them without access to stable housing, education, or support systems. Bryce’s reaction wasn’t just emotional—it was actionable.
The property in question is a sprawling 11-bedroom mansion located just outside downtown Nashville. Once a symbol of opulence, the building had sat abandoned for nearly a decade. Underwood saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it—this time, not for luxury, but for love and community. The extensive renovation plan includes dorm-style accommodations, mental health counseling rooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, a computer lab for online education, and on-site career coaching centers. He has dubbed the facility “The Restart House.”
Underwood is personally funding the entire $5.6 million project, without seeking external investors or publicity. However, after local media picked up the story, public interest exploded. “This isn’t about football,” Bryce told a local reporter. “It’s about being human. It’s about showing these kids that they’re not forgotten, that someone sees them, hears them, and believes in them.” Underwood has also revealed plans to partner with local nonprofits and faith-based organizations to ensure long-term sustainability for the shelter.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Local pastors, city council members, and fellow athletes have praised the young quarterback’s bold step. “Bryce has reminded us all what leadership really means,” said Reverend Carlton Greer of a Knoxville community church. “He saw a problem, he felt it deeply, and he’s putting his own resources behind the solution. This is what hope in action looks like.” Fans, too, are pouring in support online, with hashtags like #BryceForChange and #RestartHouse trending on Twitter and Instagram.
Underwood’s coaches and teammates have also expressed pride in his decision, many saying they weren’t surprised. “Bryce is the kind of guy who always asks what more he can do,” said Coach Josh Heupel. “He’s a team player in every sense, and now he’s taking that same energy into the world beyond football. I’m honored to coach a man like that.” The University of Tennessee has already indicated it may integrate community service credits and volunteer opportunities for students at the new shelter.
As construction gets underway, Underwood remains focused on both his sport and his mission. “Football gave me a platform,” he said in a recent interview. “But if I’m not using it to lift people up, then what’s the point?” The Restart House is expected to open its doors by spring next year, and with Underwood’s determination behind it, many believe it will become a national model for how athletes can use their influence to create lasting, life-changing impact.