Troy's NIL Collective Raises Funds to Aid Beat Writer's Cancer Battle

Trojans Together Collective supports The Troy Messenger's sports editor

Trojans Together Collective – the official NIL collective for Troy University athletes – has raised $11,087 to support a local beat writer in his fight against cancer. 

Josh Boutwell is a sports editor for The Troy Messenger and a beat writer who covers Troy University Athletics. In July, 35-year-old Boutwell was on the way to an interview when he received a call from his doctor revealing life-changing news: he was diagnosed with stage-three colorectal cancer.

Earlier in the season, Troy football coach Jon Sumrall, who recently accepted the Tulane coaching job, told his players that Boutwell is an inspiration. The passionate beat writer continued to interview players and coaches throughout the season and attended practices, even though it looked like he might pass out on the sidelines. 

To support Boutwell in his fight against cancer, the collective began with a goal to raise $10,000, which they were able to surpass by the end of the football season. The raised funds will help cover Boutwell's medical expenses.

"Josh is a very warm individual. Very easy to approach and does a great job covering our team," the collective's co-founder, Chuck Carson, told On3. "The coaches, it's been amazing to watch the coaches respond to this campaign. And their help in promoting and getting the word out has been amazing. Josh is really just ingrained in our culture around here. He has become one of the family here."

Boutwell is extremely grateful for the support that he has received, which will benefit him as he continues his treatments heading into 2024.  

"None of these guys [coaches, players] owe me a single thing, but when they see me they ask me how I'm doing," Boutwell said. "Coach Sumrall would hug me. Coaches will call and text, asking me if I need anything. It's hard to explain how much that means to you. And anyone who has donated money, there's no way you can describe how that feels."