Covington’s philanthropy continues
The Bellwood, Ill. native gave the TSU basketball program a $75,000 donation back in April 2019, but is excited to take the program to the next level with this large monetary donation. Covington continues to have close ties to the University and shares a special bond with Tennessee State Head Men’s Basketball Coach Penny Collins.
“Rob has been a beacon of inspiration for our student-athletes since he left Tennessee State University,” said Coach Collins.
“To have a practice facility for our men’s and women’s basketball programs will be a game changer. It also shows how serious we are on taking the next step in being an extremely competitive program in the OVC. Our players will be committed to making Rob proud. He has definitely set the bar for them to follow.”
“Rob was already a legend and with this commitment he becomes iconic,” Collins said. “His name and legacy will live on forever in the land of golden sunshine.”
Alongside his family, Rob Covington started a foundation named after his life mantra “Allergic To Failure” to give back to communities across the country. He and his family host annual givebacks throughout the year in his hometown of Chicago, Nashville and other NBA markets like Philadelphia, Minnesota and now Houston.
Rob Covington a proud HBCU product
Rob Covington said he made the best decision in attending TSU and is a proud graduate.
“I made some of the best memories of my life at TSU. Go to a bigger school? Nope. I wouldn’t change it for the world because the people who’ve had the most significant impact on my life, they wouldn’t be next to me today. It’s special to be at the forefront of something that can spark a major change as far as kids going to an HBCU and learning about black history, their culture and where they came from. Learning about your ancestors — you can’t always get that in the classroom. That’s a big thing, it’s very important.”
While the road to fulfill his dream of playing in the NBA took a tremendous amount of work, the small forward said it’s a path others at TSU can accomplish in any profession.
“I had an experience very few professional athletes had. It was life changing. I’m a walking product of a kid that went to an HBCU and created a narrative for myself.”
“I feel like now is the time for change and progression all around. I’m in a great place to give back to the place that shaped who I am — not only as an athlete but as a man. My family and I are excited to be able to do this and to break ground on Covington Pavilion today!”