In a moment that transcends the boundaries of sport and shines as a beacon of human compassion, Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina Day, have done the unthinkable: donated Ryan’s entire $30 million signing bonus and associated sponsorship earnings to charitable causes, primarily focusing on youth mental health and homelessness relief across Ohio and the United States. In a society often captivated by wealth, status, and power, the Days’ selfless act reminds us of the enduring strength of kindness and humility.
The stunning gesture, confirmed by ESPN sources close to the Buckeyes’ athletic department and multiple independent financial auditors, underscores a deeper personal mission that has long been part of Ryan and Nina Day’s private lives. It’s a mission rooted in empathy, shaped by experience, and now brought forth in unprecedented fashion.
A Monumental Gesture
Ryan Day, fresh off inking a new contract extension in May 2025 that includes a $30 million signing bonus — the highest ever awarded to a college football coach in a single year — has chosen to forgo personal gain to make a lasting difference. The donation includes all endorsement income tied to his new deal with multiple partners, including Nike, Nissan, and Gatorade, as part of his national prominence.
According to university sources, the funds have been distributed among multiple charitable organizations, with the two primary beneficiaries being The Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness, which they founded in 2020, and Ohio Hope Housing Alliance, a Columbus-based nonprofit focused on transitional housing and comprehensive care for Ohio’s homeless population.
“This isn’t about headlines,” Ryan Day told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “This is about impact. Nina and I have always believed that our roles in football provide a platform. Now we feel it’s time to put words into action in the most meaningful way possible.”
Rooted in Personal Struggles
The Days’ philanthropic focus isn’t a newfound direction. It’s deeply personal. Ryan Day has previously opened up about his own struggles with mental health and the suicide of his father when he was just nine years old. That trauma shaped his outlook on life, giving him an intimate understanding of the emotional burdens many children silently carry.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan and Nina launched the aforementioned fund through Nationwide Children’s Hospital, working to de-stigmatize mental illness and provide access to resources for youth and families in crisis. Since then, the fund has raised over $3 million from donors — now bolstered significantly by their own contribution.
Nina Day, long an advocate for at-risk youth, added context in the joint ESPN interview: “We’ve seen firsthand the pain, the neglect, and the systemic barriers. This isn’t charity to us — it’s a responsibility. We’re fortunate to have what we have, and if we can give it all away to help others live a better life, that’s the real win.”
Immediate Impact in Ohio
The $30 million windfall is already at work. According to Ohio Hope Housing Alliance, $12 million will go toward expanding its Columbus footprint, adding 240 transitional housing units and 60 permanent supportive homes for veterans, women with children, and displaced youth. This expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“Ryan and Nina Day have changed the trajectory of this organization forever,” said HOHA Executive Director Malik Green. “This kind of donation doesn’t just fund programs — it saves lives. It puts roofs over heads. It delivers mental health services and employment training. It gives people a second chance.”
In addition, the Days have pledged $5 million to launch a mobile mental health unit program in partnership with OhioHealth. These mobile clinics will travel to underserved rural counties across the state, providing psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and support to families with limited access.
National Praise and Reflection
The announcement sent shockwaves across the college football landscape and beyond. Athletes, coaches, celebrities, and social leaders all took to social media to praise the Day family’s humility and heart.
LeBron James, a fellow Ohio native, posted on X:
“Coach Day showing what true leadership looks like. We need more of this. Respect.”
Nick Saban, legendary former Alabama coach, said in a statement:
“I’ve seen a lot of great things in college football, but this is one of the most selfless acts I’ve ever witnessed. Ryan Day has set a new bar for what it means to be a coach — not just of football, but of life.”
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, also chimed in:
“Mental health is a growing crisis in this country, and leaders like Ryan and Nina Day are making an indelible impact. Their donation is more than money — it’s a powerful message.”
Reframing the Role of Coaches
The Days’ decision comes at a time when criticism of the astronomical salaries in college athletics continues to mount. Critics argue that while coaches rake in tens of millions, many players still struggle financially despite new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Others point out that universities often divert funding from academic programs to support athletics infrastructure.
Ryan Day’s bold donation has shifted the narrative.
“It’s not about whether you make the money — it’s about what you do with it,” said sports ethicist Dr. Caroline McKnight of Stanford University. “In an era where it’s easy to be cynical, this act reminds us that good people still exist, even in high-power, high-pressure environments like college football.”
Day’s move is also expected to inspire more philanthropic initiatives across the coaching ranks. Sources within the Big Ten told ESPN that at least two other coaches are in early talks about establishing or expanding their charitable foundations in the wake of Day’s example.
Buckeyes Players React
Ohio State players have also responded with admiration. Senior linebacker C.J. Hicks spoke candidly about the moment Day told the team about the donation.
“We were in complete silence,” Hicks said. “Then someone started clapping, and the whole room just erupted. It wasn’t about football — it was about knowing we’re playing for a man who leads with integrity and love.”
Quarterback Devin Brown echoed the sentiment: “It makes you want to be a better man, not just a better player. That’s what Coach Day does for us every day, and this just proves it on a bigger scale.”
A Model for the Future
While some will call it a one-time event, insiders believe this is only the beginning of a broader movement the Days are planning. Nina Day confirmed that the couple is working on launching a national nonprofit aimed at aligning sports, corporate sponsors, and community development.
Tentatively called “Team Humanity,” the initiative will focus on:
- Building youth wellness centers.
- Funding scholarships for mental health professionals.
- Creating mentoring programs linking athletes with underserved youth.
“We want to inspire people to give more — not just money, but time, attention, and empathy,” said Nina.
Ryan added, “We hope this motivates coaches, CEOs, entertainers — anyone in a position of influence — to look at how they can truly lift others.”
Final Whistle
In a world where indifference often drowns out empathy, the Days’ decision to donate $30 million is a monumental reminder that the power of sport lies not just in the pursuit of victory, but in the capacity to transform lives. Whether on the field or in the trenches of real-world struggles, Ryan and Nina Day have proven that leadership, when driven by compassion, can ignite change far beyond the scoreboard.
This moment will not just be remembered in Buckeye Nation or college football annals — it will stand as a defining testament to humanity. A bold act in a world that desperately needs bold love.
