ESPN VERIFIED: Ohio State’s 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…….

ESPN VERIFIED: Ohio State’s 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 time when headlines are often dominated by controversy and scandal, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and his wife Christina have delivered a powerful and inspiring reminder of the good that can still exist in the world. As confirmed by ESPN, Day has chosen to donate the entirety of his recent $30 million signing bonus and related sponsorship earnings to charity — specifically targeting youth mental health programs, homeless relief initiatives, and community development efforts across Ohio and beyond.

The news broke earlier today following the announcement of Day’s new contract extension, which solidifies his position as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. However, what truly captured national attention was what he did with the money.

In a joint statement released by the university, Ryan and Christina Day said:

“We’ve been incredibly blessed — not just financially, but by the people of Ohio and the opportunities this university has given us. We believe in using what we’ve been given to lift others. This donation is about creating a legacy that goes beyond football.”

The $30 million donation is being distributed among several key initiatives. A significant portion is earmarked for The Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness, a cause the couple has long supported following their own family’s experiences with mental health challenges. Another portion will go directly to homelessness relief across the state, including shelters in Columbus and Cleveland, transitional housing programs, and food distribution networks.

Community leaders and nonprofit organizations have been quick to praise the Days’ generosity. “This is more than just a donation — it’s a lifeline,” said Angela Thomas, director of a Columbus-based homeless shelter. “With the support from the Day family, we’ll be able to expand our services and help hundreds more find stability and hope.”

Ohio State University President Ted Carter called the act “one of the most selfless and impactful gestures” he’s ever witnessed from a member of the university community.

“Ryan Day has shown not only leadership on the field, but extraordinary moral character off it. This will change lives — not just today, but for generations,” Carter said.

Fans, alumni, and fellow coaches across the country have expressed admiration for the gesture. Former players have taken to social media to thank Day for leading not just as a coach, but as a role model. “Coach Day always said it’s about more than football,” tweeted former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. “This proves it.”

In a world where the business of college football continues to grow more commercial and complex, Ryan and Christina Day have delivered a deeply personal, human moment. Their gift is a bold act of compassion — one that sets a new standard for what leadership and responsibility can look like in the modern game.

As the Buckeyes prepare for another championship run, they do so with a coach who is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in wins, but in the lives you choose to impact.