Football shaped Nelson Puett Jr.’s life. In 1979, through a legacy agreement established with Austin Community Foundation (ACF), he made sure the game could continue opening doors for young people long after his lifetime.
Following his passing in 2006, his estate gift established the Nelson Puett Football Fund at ACF. Since then, the fund has granted more than $940,000 to help schools and community organizations launch and sustain youth football programs. Nearly two decades later, his generosity continues to give more young athletes a chance to participate.
A Longhorn’s Legacy
Nelson Puett Jr. scoring the game winning touchdown at the1938 Thanksgiving UT vs. A&M game
Nelson Puett Jr. was a third-generation alum of The University of Texas at Austin and a second-generation UT football player. Throughout his athletic career, he achieved many milestones, but one stood above the rest: scoring the winning touchdown against Texas A&M during the 1938 Thanksgiving Day game.
In the 1950s, Puett built a successful real estate business and was committed to giving back to the community. He supported first-time homeowners across Texas, as well as youth football and baseball programs. In 1979, just two years after ACF was founded, he partnered with the Foundation to establish his legacy fund. By planning ahead and trusting ACF to carry out his wishes, he ensured that his values would continue shaping his giving for generations to come.
An Enduring Partnership
ACF manages the Nelson Puett Football Fund according to Puett’s wishes while adapting its grants to meet changing community needs. That balance allows his commitment to youth football to remain relevant and useful today. With support from his fund, youth football programs across Central Texas have been launched, sustained, and strengthened in communities such as Kyle, Georgetown, Leander, and East Austin. These grants help make participation possible for students whose families might otherwise not be able to afford equipment, transportation, or program fees.
The impact of the fund reaches beyond the field. Athletics can offer structure, accountability, a sense of belonging, and trusted adult mentorship. Teachers and coaches often see connections between participation in sports and stronger school engagement, including attendance, classroom participation, and student behavior. Studies have also shown that participation in sports has led to better physical and mental health outcomes for children and young adults.
Investing in the next generation
In 2026, the Nelson Puett Football Fund is building on its impact through three significant multi-year grants. These awards are among the largest in the fund’s history and will help more young people participate in football programs by reducing barriers to access.
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Austin Ed Fund: $150,000 over three years
This grant will help more than 1,000 middle school students in Austin ISD access football programming. Austin Ed Fund will direct support to schools with the greatest needs each year, providing athletic equipment, meals, and programming that introduce students to football and school athletics.
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Del Valle ISD Education Foundation: $150,000 over three years
ACF and Del Valle ISD at the grant announcement celebration.
Del Valle ISD provides a high-quality, no-cost football program for 240 middle school students across its campuses. This grant will help sustain access to football by covering essentials such as uniforms, equipment, transportation, and coaching, without shifting those costs to families.
“We believe a family’s financial circumstances should not prevent a student from participating in athletics and experiencing the benefits that come with being part of a team. While some districts have turned to athletic fees, we continue to look for ways to sustain a high-quality, no-cost football program available to our middle school students. Support from the Nelson Puett Football Fund helps us provide the equipment, uniforms and transportation students need to participate without shifting those costs to families.” – Del Valle ISD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez
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Greater Austin YMCA: $300,000 over 5 years
The Greater Austin YMCA’s flag football program introduces children ages 4 to 14 to teamwork, sportsmanship, skill development, and confidence. This grant will support free community clinics, field improvements, safety supplies, and athletic equipment, helping keep the sport accessible, especially as interest grows among girls and younger athletes.
Together, these grants carry Puett’s vision forward by helping schools sustain programs facing financial pressure and give more young athletes the opportunity to experience the teamwork, confidence, and sense of belonging football can provide.
What will your legacy be?
Nelson Puett Jr.’s story illustrates what thoughtful legacy planning can accomplish. A decision made in 1979 became a lasting investment in young people across Central Texas.
Your legacy can reflect what matters most to you, too. Whether you want to support young people, strengthen your community broadly, or carry forward a lifelong commitment, Austin Community Foundation can help you develop a legacy plan aligned with your values and vision for the future.
Start the conversation by contacting Arthur Brewer, senior gift planning officer at abrewer@austincf.org.