Texas Star Colin Simmons Reveals NIL Impact on Family

Longhorns defensive end used NIL earnings to move his mother and brother with autism to Austin.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:38pm

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Texas Longhorns defensive star Colin Simmons shared how he used his NIL earnings after his standout freshman season to move his mother and brother, who has autism, from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Austin. Simmons said the resources and programs for his brother's care are better in Austin, and he wanted to provide his family with a better quality of life. Simmons also runs a non-profit organization called Clay's Color Crew that supports children with autism in underserved communities.

Why it matters

Simmons' story highlights the positive impact NIL can have on student-athletes' lives beyond just football. By using his NIL earnings to support his family and provide better resources for his brother, Simmons is making a meaningful difference off the field. His commitment to using his platform to help the autism community is also inspiring.

The details

After a standout freshman season where he led the SEC in sacks, Simmons said his initial 'why' was to move his mother and brother from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Austin, where there are better programs and resources for his brother's autism. Simmons wanted to provide his family, especially his brother Clayton, with a higher quality of life and access to the care and attention he needs. Simmons also runs a non-profit organization called Clay's Color Crew that supports children with autism in underserved communities through partnerships with youth camps, artists, and other initiatives.

  • Simmons led the SEC in sacks, including the postseason, in 2025.
  • Simmons revealed his NIL impact on his family in an interview on Fox's 'Big Noon Kickoff' on October 11.

The players

Colin Simmons

A standout defensive end for the Texas Longhorns who led the SEC in sacks as a sophomore in 2025 and is using his NIL earnings to support his family, especially his brother with autism.

Clayton Simmons

Colin Simmons' brother who has autism. Colin used his NIL money to move his brother and mother from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Austin, where there are better resources and programs for Clayton's care.

Clay's Color Crew

A non-profit organization founded by Colin Simmons that supports children with autism in underserved communities through partnerships with youth camps, artists, and other initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“The programs down here is better than the programs that is up in Dallas. And my mom also had to travel about an hour and a half out just to get the good resources. And so moving her down here was a big thing for our families, with my brother going to the school that's good for him, getting the right attention and right treatment.”

— Colin Simmons, Texas Longhorns Defensive End

“He has no choice but to be my why.”

— Colin Simmons

What’s next

Simmons will continue to pursue a national championship with the Texas Longhorns in the 2026 season, while also expanding the reach and impact of his non-profit organization Clay's Color Crew.

The takeaway

Simmons' story demonstrates the positive impact NIL can have on student-athletes' lives beyond just football, as he used his earnings to provide better resources and a higher quality of life for his family, especially his brother with autism. His commitment to supporting the autism community through his non-profit organization is also inspiring.