The late UNC coach’s trust sent letters to about 180 former players this month informing them of the gift.
Legendary UNC men's basketball coach Dean Smith passed away last month at age 83, but his players just got a reminder of how much he cared for them.
Getty Images/Doug Pensinger
The trustee confirmed the gift to the players to the Associated Press.
The letters told the players to "enjoy a dinner out compliments of Coach Dean Smith."
Former player Serge Zwikker told ESPN he was incredibly moved by the gesture.
"My wife opened the letter and handed it to me," he said. "At first I didn't know what it was, but when it hit me, it put a tear in my eye. Even after he passed, he was still all about his players."
Jeff Taylor / Reuters