Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the owners of the Cleveland Browns, have made a $130 million investment in their alma mater, the University of Tennessee. The couple has contributed to “student success and faculty recruitment,” which is the largest sum the university has received in its history.

“Tennessee received a $130 million investment from Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the largest in its university’s history,” NFL insider Adam Schefter shared on X on June 4.

The Haslams state that they are committed to the betterment of the university.

“We are honored to make this investment in UT and the Haslam College of Business,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam in a joint statement. “The university is experiencing extraordinary momentum, and we are proud to help elevate its national reputation, attract world-class faculty and support the next generation of leaders — all while keeping the best and brightest here in Tennessee.” 

According to the university, the Haslams have just enhanced a partnership between the Division of Student Success and the Haslam College of Business. The $100 million chunk of the investment will be utilized for the Haslam College of Business. 

The remaining $30 million is set for recruiting faculty across various academic disciplines. With this investment, the Haslams’ lifetime giving now cumulates to over $195 million.

“I am grateful to Dee and Jimmy Haslam for sharing that passion and ensuring future Volunteers have that same opportunity for a transformative student experience,” fellow alumnus and legendary quarterback Peyton Manning said. 

The Haslams framed the gift as a legacy move, but fans see it as hypocrisy.

“can’t fund their own stadium:” Cleveland Browns Fans Angry Over The Haslams’ Direction 

Under the June 4 X post by Adam Schefter, NFL fans blasted the Haslams for spending on the University of Tennessee.

“Wait so they can spend 130 million on Tennessee but can’t fund their own stadium,” one commented. 

The Haslams are building a new $2.6 billion domed stadium in the suburbs of Ohio. The cost of this stadium is divided into private and public funding.

According to Front Office Sports, the spilt involves at least $1.755 billion of private money, $600 million from the state of Ohio, and $245 million from the city of Brook Park. 

Others held similar views. 

“F*** the Haslams. B**** took over 600 million from Ohio taxpayer to fund his f****** stadium for the p*** a** Clowns.”

Another pointed out the investment that followed after recent developments. 

“$130 million to Tennessee while taking $600 million from Ohio taxpayers for his new Browns Stadium.”

“Browns fans explaining how this “move” is tied into Arch Manning,” one replied about the speculated 2027 quarterback prospect, Arch Manning. He is committed to the Texas Longhorns.

“Really curious to see how much of this is going straight towards NIL,” another replied.

According to an analysis by Scarlet and Game, the Haslams' investment could be tied to offering sought-after running back recruit David Gabriel Georges lucrative NIL deals. Ryan Stano wrote that the Ohio State Buckeyes have “warmed up to him.”

Whether this investment comes out of dedication to their alma mater or a different agenda, fans are unhappy. 

What are your thoughts? 

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar