ESPN VERIFIED: Ohio State Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day and Wife Donate Entire \$30 Million Signing Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Charity and Homeless Relief — A Bold Act of Compassion in a World Often Marked by Indifference
In a gesture that has stunned the sports world and redefined what it means to give back, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and his wife, Christina Day, have donated the entirety of his \$30 million signing bonus and related sponsorship earnings to charitable causes and homeless relief organizations. The move, confirmed by ESPN and multiple university sources, stands as one of the most selfless philanthropic acts in recent sports history — and comes at a time when genuine compassion can feel increasingly rare.
Coach Day, who recently signed a lucrative extension to remain the head of the Buckeyes’ football program, chose not to celebrate the windfall with personal luxuries. Instead, he and his wife quietly worked behind the scenes to organize the distribution of the funds to several key initiatives, including mental health services, youth development programs, and shelters across the Midwest that focus on long-term solutions for homelessness.
“What Ryan and Christina have done goes far beyond football,” said an Ohio State spokesperson. “This is a reflection of who they are as people — deeply committed to the well-being of others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The Days have long been vocal about the importance of mental health awareness, especially following the tragic loss of Ryan Day’s father to suicide when he was just nine years old. Much of the funding from this donation will go toward expanding mental health outreach for young adults and underserved populations in Ohio and beyond.
“We live in a world where people are struggling silently every day,” Day said in a heartfelt statement. “Football has given me so much, but it’s only right to use the platform and resources I’ve been blessed with to create change — not just talk about it, but actually do something.”
While public figures and athletes often make headlines for charitable donations, it is nearly unheard of for a coach to donate their entire signing bonus and sponsorship income — a sum most would use to build generational wealth. Instead, Day’s decision appears grounded in personal values and a broader desire to lead by example.
“This is about humanity,” said Christina Day. “If you’re in a position to make someone else’s life better, and you choose not to, then what are we really doing?”
Reactions across social media and the sports world have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the Days for walking the walk in a culture where public image often overshadows substance. NFL players, college athletes, coaches, and fans alike have called the move “inspirational,” “unbelievable,” and “the kind of leadership the world needs right now.”
