BYU football donates Entries $18.9 million bonus and sponsorship Earnings mattstedt to help fund 150…

In a historic act of generosity and community commitment, BYU Football has announced the donation of $18.9 million in combined performance bonuses and sponsorship earnings toward the development of a 150-unit affordable housing initiative in the state of Utah. The project is expected to provide safe, transitional housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The funds, earmarked from recent revenue windfalls and incentive packages, were officially pledged through a new initiative named “Cougars Care: Housing for Hope,” with full support from head coach Kalani Sitake, athletic director Tom Holmoe, and the BYU Board of Trustees.

🏈 From the Gridiron to the Greater Good

“This is bigger than football,” said Coach Sitake at the press conference on campus. “We are a program that believes in faith, family, and service. If we can use our blessings on the field to bless others off the field, that’s a win for everyone.”

The $18.9 million donation includes:

• Performance bonuses from the team’s recent 10-win season and bowl game appearance.
• Sponsorship earnings from brand deals with local and national partners such as Nu Skin, Qualtrics, and Deseret First Credit Union.
• A portion of NIL collective contributions, voluntarily redirected by several players and coaching staff toward the housing effort.

🏘️ About the Housing Project

The project—set to break ground in late 2025 in Mattstedt, a growing suburban community just outside of Salt Lake City—will feature:

• 150 affordable housing units
• 300 shelter beds for emergency and transitional use
• On-site mental health and addiction services
• A career readiness center operated in partnership with local tech firms

Mattstedt Mayor Elaine Robles expressed deep gratitude: “BYU’s investment is nothing short of transformative. This isn’t just a housing project—it’s hope in concrete form.”

📢 BYU and Broader Mission

The donation aligns with BYU’s mission to integrate academic excellence and spiritual values, as part of its affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The project also resonates with a broader movement in college athletics toward social impact and community service, especially within faith-based institutions.

Athletic Director Tom Holmoe noted, “We often talk about building champions on and off the field. Today, our players and coaches showed what that really means.”

🌟 Reactions from the Sports World

The gesture has been met with admiration across the NCAA landscape. ESPN analyst Rece Davis called the donation “one of the most inspiring acts of service ever by a college football program.”

Former BYU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer praised the decision on social media:

“Proud to see my alma mater living its values. This is what leadership looks like.”

💬 What’s Next?

While the Cougars gear up for another competitive season in the Big 12 Conference, their off-field play may be their most enduring legacy this year. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2026, with initial units opening by spring 2026.

Coach Sitake closed his remarks with a quote from President Thomas S.