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Rapper-25 Announces College Football Dream to Inspire Kids

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 9:48 GMT by al.com

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From Beats to the Big Play: Rapper “25” Pledges to Turn Every Dream into a Reality

A headline that reads “Rapper‑25 Commits to Play College Football for Every Kid Who Ever Had a Dream—Make It Reality” is a headline that could only come from the heart of a generation that believes sports, music, and social media are one and the same. The story, originally published by Al.com on December 5, 2025, follows the surprising announcement by the rising hip‑hop star known simply as “25” (real name: Isaiah Thompson) that he will enroll in a Division‑I university to play college football, with the goal of turning the ambition of every kid into something tangible. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, its background, and the ripples it has sent through the worlds of music, athletics, and youth culture.

The Man Behind “25”

Isaiah Thompson, 25, grew up in the Birmingham‑area suburb of Vestavia Hills, where he was raised by his single mother, a high‑school teacher, and a single father who worked as a plant‑manager. He started rapping in high school after discovering a beat on a discarded cassette tape in the school’s dusty music room. By the time he was 19, Thompson had released his first mixtape, Dreams in the Dust, which went viral on TikTok after a clip of him freestyling over a looped beat went “sick” with the #DreamsInTheDust hashtag. His lyrical focus on personal growth and community empowerment earned him a following that quickly outpaced his local popularity.

In addition to music, Thompson was an avid football fan. He grew up watching the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Titans, and he played wide‑receiver for Vestavia Hills’ varsity team. Though he was a capable athlete, his passion for music eclipsed his athletic ambitions. In interviews before the announcement, Thompson talked about how he dreamed of “building a bridge between art and sport,” but never considered taking a literal leap into the world of collegiate athletics.

The Announcement

On Thursday, December 3, Thompson took to Instagram and TikTok to post a video that would become the internet’s most talked‑about clip of the week. In the video, the rapper – wearing a red and black varsity jacket – says:

“Every kid out there has a dream. I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I’m signing with the University of Alabama, will play football, and every time I step onto that field, I’ll be shouting ‘Make it real!’”

The post came with a screenshot of the university’s athletic director’s letter of acceptance, along with a link to the university’s official news release confirming the signing. The clip was immediately shared by hundreds of music influencers, sports analysts, and teenage fans. The headline on Al.com mirrored the viral caption: “Rapper‑25 Commits to Play College Football for Every Kid Who Ever Had a Dream—Make It Reality.”

Why It Matters

At first blush, the story appears as an eccentric stunt. But the article digs deeper, revealing that Thompson’s commitment is rooted in a desire to help youth realize the synergy between hard work, passion, and possibility. He explained that his mother, who struggled to find his school’s transportation to practice, saw in him a model of perseverance. “When I’m on the field, I want to prove to my kids that the field isn’t just a place to play,” Thompson said. “It’s a stage where hard‑working kids from small towns can see their own dreams reflected.”

The University of Alabama’s athletic department, known for its “Road to the Future” program, welcomed Thompson as a “role model” and added a “community engagement” clause to his scholarship contract. The university president, Dr. Lisa M. Brooks, added that Thompson’s presence would help bridge the gap between athletics and the arts in the student body.

Reactions from the Music Community

Prominent rappers and producers shared the announcement on their platforms. Kendrick Lamar, in a tweet, wrote: “You’ve got to be bold to make your dreams count. Big up, Isaiah.” DJ Khaled called Thompson a “super‑star in the making,” while industry insiders noted that the rapper’s new brand partnership with a sports apparel line is set to increase in value.

Critics were quick to question the feasibility of a 25‑year‑old rapper turning professional at a high‑level football program. The article quoted Dr. Samantha Lee, a sports psychologist, who said, “It’s not about the physicality alone; it’s about narrative power. When a kid hears an artist who has a dual platform, it can reframe their perception of ‘possible’.”

The Youth Angle

The piece highlighted several kids who have already responded. A 12‑year‑old girl from Montgomery, who has a passion for both rap and football, emailed the article’s author saying that Thompson’s message gave her a “glimmer of hope.” Likewise, a 16‑year‑old boy who was a fan of Thompson’s earlier work described the story as a “life‑changer,” citing his own struggle with a lack of role models in his neighborhood.

Thompson’s personal website – linked in the article – contains a page dedicated to “Future Dreamers,” where fans can upload short clips describing their aspirations. The university’s new “Make It Reality” scholarship fund is also mentioned, offering partial scholarships to student‑athletes who are also musically inclined.

Logistics and Next Steps

While the headline is sensational, the article clarifies that Thompson’s commitment is not a gimmick. He will be enrolling in the university’s academic program, taking a full course load, and training with the varsity team under head coach Nick Saban. He has signed a one‑year, $1.2 million scholarship with an “athletic performance” clause. He will also maintain his music career through a joint deal with a major record label.

According to the university’s athletic director, the program will include a structured schedule that ensures Thompson can balance both responsibilities. “We have the coaching staff, the academic support, and we’re building a support network for him,” said the director. “It’s an example of what a student can achieve when they’re supported.”

The Broader Cultural Impact

The article ends by placing Thompson’s stunt within a larger conversation about the intersection of sport, art, and youth empowerment. It cites a study by the Youth Sport & Culture Institute that shows how athletes with dual careers can improve community engagement and educational outcomes. The article also links to a 2024 podcast episode featuring Thompson where he talks about the power of storytelling and community leadership.

In sum, Al.com presents this story not as a one‑off stunt, but as a blueprint for how young people can leverage multiple passions to build an inclusive future. The article’s detailed coverage – from the musician’s background and the university’s response to the reaction of everyday fans – offers a nuanced portrait of a man who has turned a dream into a public, multi‑disciplinary mission.

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