In a world where the intersection of sports, charity, and community involvement is becoming increasingly relevant, the latest move by five Ohio State football players stands out as both heartwarming and exemplary. These athletes have joined forces with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to promote the “Round-Up for RMHC” campaign, a fundraising initiative designed to support families facing one of life’s most difficult challenges—caring for a seriously ill or injured child while away from home. This partnership not only underscores the evolving role of student-athletes in today’s society but also highlights how large platforms can be leveraged for genuine, lasting change.
The “Round-Up for RMHC” campaign is simple in concept but profound in its impact. When customers at participating McDonald’s locations complete a purchase, they are given the option to round up their total to the nearest dollar. The spare change—often just a few cents—goes directly to RMHC to help provide housing, meals, and emotional support to families with children undergoing medical treatment. What might seem like pocket change accumulates quickly across millions of transactions, and those nickels and dimes combine to form lifelines for families across the country.
By choosing to endorse and champion this cause, these five Ohio State players are doing more than just lending their names to a campaign. They are embodying a broader understanding of leadership and service. Their involvement represents a new generation of college athletes who are using their influence to spotlight community needs, drive charitable giving, and become role models not just on the field, but also off it. These young men are aware of the responsibility that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray, and they are committed to making their time at Ohio State count for more than touchdowns and tackles.
Understanding why this campaign matters requires some background on what RMHC actually does. Ronald McDonald House Charities operates a network of local chapters around the world, with each one focused on supporting families in crisis. Imagine being the parent of a child who’s been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. The best treatment options might be hundreds of miles away from home. Hotel stays, meals, transportation, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. That’s where RMHC steps in. Their facilities, often located near major hospitals, offer a “home away from home,” complete with private rooms, shared kitchens, support services, and a community of families going through similar struggles.
The value of this support cannot be overstated. For many families, staying at a Ronald McDonald House means they can be close to their child without incurring the enormous costs of long-term lodging. It allows parents to rest, eat, and recharge while still being present for every important moment of their child’s medical journey. More importantly, RMHC keeps families together during times when separation could only compound the emotional distress they’re experiencing.
It’s this deeply humane mission that has drawn the attention and admiration of the Ohio State players. They recognize that, despite their stature as Division I athletes and the privileges that often come with it, life’s hardships don’t discriminate. Illness can strike anyone, and the support of organizations like RMHC can make a monumental difference. By promoting the “Round-Up” campaign, they’re encouraging people to contribute in a way that is accessible and meaningful, proving that small actions really do add up.
Their decision to team up with RMHC also aligns with the NCAA’s evolving stance on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. Under the current guidelines, student-athletes are permitted to earn money and sign deals related to their personal brand. However, many athletes are choosing to go beyond personal gain, using their new visibility to endorse causes they believe in. This shift is redefining what it means to be a college athlete. It’s no longer just about performance—it’s also about presence, purpose, and participation in broader societal efforts.
In this case, the athletes aren’t just showing up for photo ops. They’re engaging directly with the community, visiting local RMHC facilities, speaking with families, and sharing their experiences on social media to amplify the message. Their participation brings attention to the campaign from fans, students, alumni, and others who might not have otherwise been aware of the “Round-Up” option at McDonald’s. That awareness can translate into increased donations, which ultimately equates to more families served.
The Ohio State football program itself has a longstanding tradition of community service and outreach. From hospital visits to food drives, players and coaches regularly emphasize the importance of giving back. This latest collaboration with RMHC is a continuation of that legacy, but it also marks a significant step forward in how athletes can integrate charitable efforts into their daily lives and public identities.
It’s also worth noting the unique platform that Ohio State football provides. With one of the largest fan bases in college sports, the Buckeyes command attention both regionally and nationally. When players speak, people listen. By leveraging this audience, the five athletes involved in the RMHC campaign are bringing widespread visibility to a cause that directly affects thousands of families every year. The ripple effect can be substantial—not just in dollars raised, but in encouraging other athletes, students, and fans to consider how they can contribute to the welfare of their communities.
One might ask, why does it matter that these particular athletes are getting involved in charity work? After all, plenty of celebrities and public figures support philanthropic causes. The answer lies in relatability and timing. These are young men, often barely out of their teens, who are balancing the rigorous demands of academics, athletics, and public scrutiny. Their choice to devote time and energy to a cause like RMHC sends a powerful message to their peers: you don’t have to wait until you’re rich or famous to make a difference. You can start now, with the tools and influence you already have.
This mindset is especially critical in today’s culture, where social media often rewards vanity over values. By highlighting their partnership with RMHC, these athletes are modeling a different kind of success—one rooted in empathy, responsibility, and community service. Their actions challenge the stereotype of the self-absorbed athlete and instead promote an image of thoughtful, compassionate young leaders.
In return, the players themselves are enriched by the experience. Spending time with families who are navigating medical crises offers perspective that no classroom or playbook ever could. It reinforces the value of humility, gratitude, and service. For many athletes, these moments of connection become the most meaningful parts of their college careers—memories that outlast the roar of the crowd or the thrill of game day.
This partnership also offers a valuable lesson in philanthropy for the public. Often, people feel overwhelmed by the scope of societal problems and unsure of how they can help. The “Round-Up” campaign simplifies the equation. You don’t need to write a big check or start your own nonprofit. You can help by rounding up your McDonald’s order. It’s a small gesture, but one that—multiplied across millions of customers—can generate significant support for families in need.
Moreover, this model of giving is sustainable. It doesn’t require extraordinary effort or resources, and it integrates seamlessly into daily life. It shows that charity doesn’t have to be complex to be effective. When athletes champion this kind of cause, it not only raises money but also educates the public about accessible ways to contribute.
The involvement of Ohio State’s football players also points to a broader shift in collegiate athletics toward civic engagement. As athletes become more visible and empowered, their capacity to effect positive change increases. What we’re seeing is a cultural evolution: athletes as advocates, teammates as changemakers, and locker rooms as launchpads for meaningful social campaigns.
For the Ronald McDonald House Charities, partnerships like these are invaluable. They bring not only financial support but also emotional validation. It tells the families staying at RMHC facilities that their struggles are seen, that they are not alone, and that communities—including young athletes—care deeply about their well-being.
For Ohio State fans, this partnership offers another reason to take pride in their team—not just for wins and championships, but for character and compassion. It’s a reminder that true greatness involves more than athletic skill. It’s about how you use your platform, how you show up for others, and how you make the world a little better than you found it.
Ultimately, this collaboration between Ohio State football players and Ronald McDonald House Charities exemplifies what’s possible when influence meets intention. It’s a blueprint for how student-athletes can lead, inspire, and mobilize communities—not someday, but now. Through the simple act of encouraging people to round up their purchases, these young men are doing more than raising funds; they’re raising awareness, building empathy, and helping keep families together during life’s most difficult chapters.
In a time when college sports are often dominated by headlines about transfers, NIL deals, and playoff hopes, it’s refreshing to see a story rooted in generosity and unity. The partnership between these five Ohio State football players and RMHC is not just a campaign. It’s a testament to the power of collective action, the impact of small kindnesses, and the heart of a team that understands what it truly means to serve. And perhaps most importantly, it’s an invitation—for fans, for communities, and for all of us—to join in, round up, and make a difference.
