ESPN VERIFIED: Ohio State 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 an era where headlines are often dominated by lavish contracts, brand deals, and personal gain, Ohio State Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day and his wife, Christina Day, have made an extraordinary gesture that has stunned the world of sports and beyond. In a move verified by ESPN, the Days have donated the entirety of Coach Day’s $30 million signing bonus and sponsorship earnings to charitable causes, with a special focus on homeless relief, mental health, youth support, and food insecurity.
This generous act is being hailed not only as a financial contribution, but a bold statement of compassion and leadership in a world too often marked by indifference.
> “There are people out there who don’t have shelter, children going to bed hungry, veterans without help, and families with no hope. We’ve been blessed, and now it’s our turn to be a blessing.”
— Ryan Day, via official Ohio State press release
A Coach With a Calling Beyond Football
Ryan Day has built a reputation as one of college football’s most respected and forward-thinking coaches. Since taking over at Ohio State in 2019, he has led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, conference championships, and consistent top-tier success. But off the field, Day has consistently emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, community service, and emotional resilience.
This donation is not his first foray into philanthropy. In fact, the Days previously co-founded the “On Our Sleeves” campaign with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which focuses on supporting youth mental health. However, the scale of this latest contribution—$30 million—is unprecedented.
Where the Money Will Go
According to sources close to the family and statements from OSU Athletics, the funds will be distributed across a network of organizations, including:
Homeless shelters in Ohio and nationwide, with specific funding for mobile shelters and family support services.
Mental health programs for high school and college athletes, expanding access to counseling and suicide prevention resources.
Youth empowerment organizations aimed at supporting underprivileged children through education, mentorship, and sports scholarships.
Food insecurity relief, with partnerships forming to launch pop-up food pantries on college campuses and inner-city neighborhoods.
Christina Day emphasized the importance of long-term impact in a statement:
> “We’re not just giving money—we’re investing in lives, in futures, in change.”
Reaction From Around the Country
The announcement has sent ripples across the sports world and beyond. Social media exploded with admiration, with hashtags like #CoachDayGivesBack and #BuckeyeHeart trending nationwide.
Former players, fellow coaches, and fans flooded timelines with praise. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit called the donation “a moment that redefines what it means to lead.” Legendary coach Urban Meyer also shared support, stating, “Ryan Day just showed the world what true greatness looks like.”
A Legacy Bigger Than Football
In an environment where wealth and fame often serve as the finish line, Ryan and Christina Day have chosen a different path—one built on purpose, compassion, and community upliftment. This act will not only help countless lives, but will also serve as an example for the next generation of athletes, coaches, and leaders.
Because in Columbus, it’s not just about winning games—it’s about changing the world.
#GoBucks #RyanD
ay #GivingBack #ESPNVerified #BuckeyePride ❤️
