When Flau’jae Johnson and her boyfriend went public with their relationship, they kept it simple. They chose Christmas Eve 2024 and wore matching holiday pajamas for the shoot. “Santa Listened,” Johnson captioned the photos. Since then, Hilton has appeared in the star guard’s music video, the Big 4 has sported LSU gear during his football practices, and there was a request for the fans, too, from Johnson in support of the wide receiver. Now, for the more intriguing part, looks like the latter of the lot is paying off rather well, and better.
Back in February, Flau’jae Johnson made a playful request for her fans– boost Chris Hilton Jr.’s social media presence. In her words, “K, y’all get his followers up because, Lord, he doesn’t even know! Please follow him and turn his NIL up real quick before he goes dry.” And fans listened. The wide receiver, who was at 11k followers when he started dating Johnson, now has a total of 43.6k. To be honest, the LSU guard was wishing that to work in her favor, brace up for the presents he’d be able to get her.
Now, we do not know how much of that shoutout really impacted his NIL, but with whatever came his way, Hilton has turned towards something a lot better than what Johnson was aiming for.
The LSU standout has decided to give back to his roots!
Hilton, on Tuesday, announced that he’d donate a portion of his NIL earnings to the Zachary High School Boys basketball team. This gesture is aimed at helping the team cover the costs of their state championship rings—a symbolic and lasting reward for their hard-fought victory. An alumnus himself, Hilton clearly hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Rings a bell?
. @LSUfootball Chris Hilton Jr. is donating a portion of his NIL money to the Zachary High School boy’s basketball team to help them pay for their state championship rings. Hilton of course attended Zachary himself. #LSU
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) April 22, 2025
Back in March, Johnson made a similar move. She teamed up with Experian and ForgiveCo to help relieve $5 million in consumer debt for thousands of Louisiana families, many of whom are African American and disproportionately affected by financial hardship.
“I’ve been involved with Experian for a while, and when this initiative came along, it felt like a calling,” Johnson said during an interview with the Black Press of America. “Debt is one of those things that keeps people in survival mode. If we can lift that burden, we’re giving folks room to dream again.”
The initiative will provide direct relief to 5,000 Louisiana families, who live in one of the most impoverished states in the U.S. There was a March Madness tie-up, too. For every game the LSU women’s basketball team won during the tournament, Experian would contribute an additional $100,000 to the debt relief pool. “That’s motivation on a whole new level,” Johnson had said.
But this isn’t just about canceling debt. The initiative also includes educational tools to help recipients build stronger financial futures. Johnson, who also juggles her rising rap career and academic responsibilities, says she knows how overwhelming financial independence can be for young people. “When I got to college and started earning through NIL, it hit me hard,” she explained. “Luckily, I had a mom who was big on money management. But not everyone has that. That’s why this program matters—because it’s not just giving money, it’s teaching people how to use it.”
The 2023 champion has often been big about giving back to her community. With $1.5 million in NIL value and then some as a rapper, she has ensured to put the sum to good use. Prior to this, Johnson took charitable initiatives in her hometown, Savannah, and was named to the SEC Community Service Team earlier this year. Now with Chris Hilton Jr. taking his initial steps, the two are on the same page. Far from the first impression she had of the wide receiver.
Flau’jae Johnson thought differently of Hilton on first glance
The couple’s speculations going strong in November 2024 when Flau’jae had shared a few pictures on the gram. It was a romantic setup, with a glowing neon sign that read, “Be My GF.” Chris later reposted the moment, sending fans into a frenzy. They have been just adorable ever since. But the first time they saw each other? Johnson probably wouldn’t have guessed how far they’d go.
Flau’Jae Johnson and Chris Hilton’s story started in 2022 at a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) event. During an episode of her podcast Best of Both Worlds, Flau’jae shared the hilarious first impression of Chris. “I thought he was real lame,” she laughed, assuming he wasn’t interested. But as it turns out, Chris was just shy and laid-back—a calm presence that eventually won her over.
Chris is now one of Flau’jae’s biggest cheerleaders, never missing a chance to hype her up during big basketball moments. Meanwhile, Flau’jae, brought Chris into her creative world—featuring him in the music video for her song “Need You By My Side.” They feature in projects together, cook together, and now, charitable works are on the table, too.
The post LSU Football Star Follows Girlfriend Flau’jae Johnson’s Footsteps as NIL Money Benefits Louisiana Based High School appeared first on EssentiallySports.
