Butler made his plans public on the same day the Gulf South Conference announced he's being inducted into the 2020 Hall of Fame for his accomplishments at West Alabama, where he earned back-to-back first team All-GSC honors and All-American status.

"Our response to COVID-19 is directly in line with our mission at Meharry—to worship God through service to mankind," said Meharry President and CEO and infectious disease expert Dr. James E. K. Hildreth Sr. "We are appreciative of Mr. Butler's generosity in supporting our response efforts to this growing public health crisis. All members of our community have been impacted by the rise of COVID-19, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide care to those in need."

Butler played his first four NFL seasons with the Patriots before joining the Titans prior to the 2018 season.

Butler, whose mom was a nurse for 20 years, said he wants to support communities that have supported him. Butler said he also had college classmates at West Alabama who were in nursing, so he has a heart for those in health care.

Butler's donation will provide funds for test kits, masks, gowns, face shields, gloves and meals.

He's encouraging others in the two communities to join him.