“I know I’m on the back 9 of life”: Charles Barkley Talks Philanthropic Ventures for Alabama as he Believes his Time is Near

The NBA has given rise to various superstars who in turn have contributed millions to society. And right atop the NBA’s list of philanthropists is former MVP, Charles Barkley.

The Round Mound of Rebound was one of the best players in the league in his prime. Chuck won the hearts of the NBA fandom with his game and then upon wrapping up his playing career, as a lovable goof on the Inside the NBA crew.

Also read: Charles Barkley Once Wouldn’t Dream of Letting Shaquille O’Neal Stop Laughing On Inside the NBA

And reasons to love Chuck only grew over the years, as he revealed himself to be a lot more than what the public knew of him. Barkley proved to be one of the most generous people out there. Particularly with respect to his contributions to Barkley’s own home state – Alabama.

In 2022, the Chuckster earned a spot in Al.com’s Alabamians of the Year list for a record third time. A feat no other individual had matched previously. To be honored for your contributions on three different instances to your home state is quite something indeed.

And Barkley believes that he just wants to help as many people as he can. Especially with advancing age, in what Chuck believes might be the “back 9 of life”.

How did Charles Barkley describe his philanthropic ventures and the emotion surrounding them?

On the back of his third selection as one of the Alabamians of the Year, Barkley opened up about his charitable ventures. Chuck spoke about how he felt to change lives with the resources at his disposal, quite eloquently.

“It’s a great feeling. Like I said, I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest expectations. When you’re growing up in Leeds, Alabama, I never thought my life was going to turn out like it is now. It’s been an amazing journey for me. I’m realistic. I’m almost 60 years old. I know I’m on the back 9 of life. I just want to help as many people as I can along the way” spoke Barkley about the emotions and the inspiration that keep him going with his charities.

Charles’ donations and contributions are noteworthy too. In 2021, Barkley gifted $1,000 dollars to every employee of his alma mater, Leeds High School. Chuck also paid for the internet services availed by the school in addition to donating 200 computers to the school.

$60 million worth Barkley also pledged $1 million each to 4 separate educational institutions – Miles College, Morehouse College, Alabama A & M, and Clark Atlanta University. And his contributions to historically Black colleges or universities go beyond this list.

Contributing to educational causes seems like a common theme in Chuck’s philanthropy. Nothing better than paving the way for a better future. And with a long contract extension with TNT in the bank, one can expect Chuck to make more such lists for the foreseeable future.

How lucrative is Charles Barkley’s contract with Inside the NBA?

Barkley has firmly established himself as a fixture at TNT. And after netting a $10 million a year contract and continuing to win over the audience, an extension was in the offing.

Chuck, along with his Inside the NBA family, was rewarded handsomely by Turner Network. A whopping 10-year extension followed, with the deal expected to be around $200 million in total valuation.

With his promise to society still on board, one can expect a huge chunk of this to be headed down charity lane. And more Alabaman of the Year titles also shall flow, surely.

Also read: “I Hate Y’all!”: Charles Barkley Confesses ‘True Feelings’ on Inside the NBA After Getting Snowed on ‘Let It Snow’