If you thought Tee Higgins was going to spend this offseason swimming in stacks of cash after signing a $115 million deal, think again. Because instead of enjoying that money, the Bengals’ star receiver is getting ready for something more rewarding. Yes, just after securing the bag – he is ready to give it back to society.

Higgins, known for his big-play ability, is coming back with yet another annual youth football camp. For him, this is more than just an annual event – it’s his chance to give back to the Cincinnati community that has embraced him since he was drafted by the Bengals in 2020. It’s his way to inspire and develop young football players – and well, they get a chance to learn from the best in the game.

The 2024 camp was a massive hit, with Tee Higgins running drills, throwing passes, celebrating touchdowns, and sharing wisdom with future stars. He emphasized how much he enjoys playing with the kids, “It’s always great coming out here and seeing these kids compete, have fun, and just enjoy the game the way I did growing up. You never know whose dreams you might be inspiring.” This year promises more of the same experience – a chance to learn from the league’s best young receivers. That’s a core memory right there.

Tee Higgins announced this year’s camp to be open for sign-up, by posting a story on his Instagram on 18th March, captioned: “Kids in Cincy… sign-ups open for my annual youth football camp in Loveland, OH.” The event will be organized with the help of FlexWork Sports Management and Nike. The camp provides top-tier coaching, engaging drills, and a whole lot of fun for kids aged 6-16. The venue is Loveland High School, Ohio, and will take place on April 12, 2025.

The timing of the camp also comes as Tee Higgins is gearing up for a crucial offseason – like the one that could define the next phase of his career. The 2024 season was full of ups and downs for both, Higgins and the Bengals. Higgins had quite some brutal injuries – a hamstring strain, a rib injury, and a late-season ankle injury. But even after all this, looks like Joe Burrow got his back.

Joe Burrow: The Bengals’ Real GM?

One move that shows that there is a growing influence of Joe Burrow within the Cincinnati Bengals—is Tee Higgins has officially signed up for a four-year, $115 million contract with them. This makes Higgins the highest-paid No.2 receiver in the league with $28.75 million per year. But what doesn’t sit right is – the Bengals don’t just hand out nine-figure contracts easily. But here it looks like – if the QB demands it, he gets it.

The Bengals are one of the teams in the NFL without a general manager. But Burrow is taking up that role for them. He looks like the mastermind behind the Bengals’ two biggest offseason power moves – Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase inked a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at $40.25 million per year.

Now, this is shocking because this is the same team that used to spend money like they were saving it for later. Their owner Mike Brown even acknowledged last year that the franchise does have financial limits. “You can’t just pay people willy-nilly. You’re restricted on how much you can pay, and we really like Tee Higgins. We would wish to sign him, but it has to be at a certain level to fit within the cap or it can’t be done.” Brown said in 2024. Yet they open their money vault if the QB demands.

You ask how did this shift happen? Well, it was the Monday night win over the Dallas Cowboys, where Burrow threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning 40-yard strike to Chase with just over a minute left to play. After which he publicly declared, “I’m confident that I think we’re gonna be able to do what it takes to bring Tee back. I know that I’m gonna do what it takes to get him back, and so is he. We’ve had those talks.” 

Plus, at the Super Bowl two months later, he doubled down on that stance, saying, “We have the cap space to get it done. I want to make it happen.” In short, he wanted to say—front office, get this man a bag already.

Now, with both Tee Higgins and Chase locked in, the Bengals have no more chips left with them. But what will be interesting to watch this season is the Burrow-Higging-Chase trio. Because the pressure is too much. And for Higgins, he will keep proving what matters the most to him is—the game, the grind, and giving it back.