Rueben Bain Jr., the former Miami Hurricanes star and Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick, returned to Lorah Park Elementary in Miami to fund and revamp a reward room for students who excel in class.
Bain, a South Florida native who attended the school before becoming a standout at Miami Central and then Miami, surprised students before reporting to Buccaneers rookie minicamp.
God is good🙏🏾 https://t.co/O0gFMHFyDX
— Rueben “Hurricane” Bain Jr. (@ruebenbainjr) May 8, 2026
Rueben Bain Jr. returns home with gift for students at Lorah Park Elementary
The space is called the Eagle Engagement Arena, and it was rebuilt as a place where students can relax, play and enjoy the payoff from strong work in the classroom. The room now includes air hockey, ping pong and giant Jenga, giving students a reward space that feels fun.
"Kids understand rewards quicker than anything," Bain told CBS Miami. The idea was to show students that hard work can lead to something they can see and enjoy, not just something adults talk about.
Lorah Park principal Tashimba Andrews said Bain was involved early in the process and wanted to know what would make the students happy. Andrews said Bain asked for a list of items and handled it before the draft, checking off the needs one by one.
Bain also partnered with Sprayground to bring backpacks, art supplies, murals and science equipment to the school.
Bain transitions to next part of football career
The Buccaneers selected him with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him one of the top edge rushers taken in the first round.
Bain was the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and became a consensus first-team All-American. He started all 16 games in 2025 and finished with 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one blocked field goal.
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