Merklinger’s decision comes in the wake of a serious encounter that changed his perspective forever. After witnessing a homeless teenager being turned away from a local shelter due to overcrowding, Merklinger said he felt a “deep personal call to action.”
“I couldn’t just walk away and pretend I didn’t see it,” Merklinger said at a press conference outside the future site of the shelter. “If I have the means to make a difference, then I have a responsibility to act.”
The shelter, which will be named The Open Playbook House, is set to offer temporary and long-term housing for up to 50 homeless youth in Knoxville. Beyond shelter, it will provide career counseling, mental health support, education programs, and mentorship opportunities through partnerships with the University of Tennessee, local nonprofits, and former Volunteers players.
The $15 million investment—drawn from Merklinger’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings, endorsements, and family trust—will fund renovations, staff salaries, and three years of operational costs. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with doors opening as early as Fall 2026.
University of Tennessee officials praised the move, calling Merklinger an “inspiration and embodiment of the Volunteer spirit.”
“Jake is the kind of leader who lifts others up,” said UT Athletics Director Danny White. “He’s showing us all that the Volunteer jersey means more than just wins—it means service.”
Merklinger, originally from Georgia, has been known for his community involvement since his high school days. But this initiative marks his most ambitious effort yet. The quarterback says he plans to stay actively involved with the project even after his college football career ends—whether that’s in the NFL or elsewhere.
“I’m building more than a shelter,” he said. “I’m building a place where young people can rewrite their story—just like I rewrote mine through football and faith.”
Local youth advocate organizations have already voiced their support, calling the project “a game-changer” for at-risk teens in the region.
In a world often clouded by headlines of division and crisis, Jake Merklinger’s bold act of giving is a reminder that good news—and good people—still shine through.
Let me know if you’d like a version with quotes from youth, teammates, or local officials added.
