Patrick Surtain II, star cornerback for the Denver Broncos and one of the most respected young defensive players in the NFL, has made headlines off the field with a generous act that speaks volumes about loyalty, gratitude, and long-term vision. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout has announced a remarkable $3 million donation to the University of Alabama’s football program—a philanthropic commitment that not only honors his alma mater but also signals a powerful investment in the future of one of college football’s most storied institutions.
Surtain’s gift stands as one of the largest ever made by a former Alabama player still in the early stages of an NFL career. It also represents a growing trend of high-profile athletes giving back to the programs that helped launch their success. Yet in Surtain’s case, the gesture is deeply personal. It’s not simply a matter of financial generosity; it’s an extension of the values he absorbed during his time in Tuscaloosa, the discipline he learned under the legendary Nick Saban, and the pride he takes in being part of the Crimson Tide legacy.
“I owe so much to the University of Alabama,” Surtain said in a statement announcing the donation. “From the moment I stepped on campus, it was a place that challenged me to grow—not just as a player, but as a man. Coach Saban, the entire staff, and the support system around the program helped shape the person I am today. This gift is about giving back to the school that gave me everything and making sure the next generation of players has even more opportunities to thrive.”
Surtain, a consensus All-American and a national champion during his time with the Tide, was selected by the Broncos with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since arriving in Denver, he’s made an immediate impact, quickly becoming one of the league’s premier shutdown corners. But despite the bright lights of the NFL and the demands of professional stardom, he has never forgotten where his journey truly began. Alabama wasn’t just a stepping stone to the pros—it was a foundational chapter in his life, and now he’s helping ensure that foundation remains strong for years to come.
The $3 million pledge will support various aspects of the football program, including player development, academic support services, and facilities enhancements. University officials said the funds will be used to help maintain Alabama’s position at the forefront of college football, particularly as the landscape of the sport continues to evolve in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, conference realignment, and increased competition for top recruits.
Greg Byrne, Alabama’s athletic director, praised Surtain for his vision and his commitment to the program. “Patrick Surtain II represents the very best of what it means to be a Crimson Tide student-athlete,” Byrne said. “He was a leader on the field and in the locker room during his time here, and he’s continued to lead by example at the professional level. This incredible donation is a testament to his character and his belief in the mission of Alabama Athletics. It’s a game-changing gift that will benefit our players and coaches in meaningful ways.”
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who recently took the reins following Nick Saban’s retirement, echoed those sentiments. While Surtain played under Saban, DeBoer said the impact of the Tide brotherhood transcends coaching regimes. “Patrick is a living example of the tradition and excellence that define Alabama Football,” DeBoer said. “Even though I didn’t have the chance to coach him personally, I feel the strength of the culture he helped build every day. This gift shows that our alumni are fully invested in what we’re building, and that means everything as we move forward.”
For Surtain, the donation is part of a broader commitment to uplift the communities and institutions that have shaped his life. Raised in a football family—his father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback in his own right—Surtain II grew up with a front-row seat to the power of mentorship, resilience, and preparation. He brought that mindset with him to Tuscaloosa, where he started as a true freshman and steadily evolved into one of the most polished and technically sound defensive backs in college football.
Over the course of three seasons, Surtain II appeared in 40 games, amassing 116 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, and four interceptions. His ability to consistently lock down the opposition’s top receiver made him a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense and a key factor in the team’s 2020 national championship run. That same year, he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and received unanimous All-American honors—testaments to both his talent and his tireless work ethic.
Beyond his on-field performance, Surtain earned widespread respect for his professionalism, humility, and leadership. He was the kind of player coaches trusted, teammates admired, and fans rallied behind. His decision to give back now, just a few years removed from his college playing days, underscores the strength of the bonds he forged during that time.
The timing of Surtain’s donation also sends a powerful message. As college football undergoes seismic changes, the programs that thrive will be the ones with strong foundations and unwavering support from alumni and stakeholders. In a world where facilities, technology, and holistic athlete development are critical components of a program’s success, gifts like Surtain’s aren’t just appreciated—they’re essential.
At a time when many former players understandably focus on personal financial growth and career security, Surtain’s decision to give back speaks to a maturity beyond his years. It’s also a signal to current and future Alabama players that being part of the Crimson Tide is about more than wins and championships—it’s about stewardship, legacy, and responsibility.
Already, Surtain’s philanthropic move is drawing attention across the college football landscape. Fans, media members, and fellow athletes alike have praised the gesture, noting that it reflects a rare blend of excellence and altruism. Social media was flooded with tributes from former teammates, Alabama supporters, and NFL players who hailed the move as a blueprint for what it means to give back with purpose.
This is not the first time Alabama has benefited from the generosity of its former stars, but Surtain’s donation stands out both for its size and its spirit. While some athletes wait until the twilight of their careers to begin giving back, Surtain is making an impact now—while he’s still in his prime, while his voice is influential, and while his story is still unfolding.
And make no mistake: his story is far from over. With several elite seasons already under his belt and multiple All-Pro selections likely in his future, Surtain continues to elevate his game on Sundays. But off the field, he’s building a legacy that may ultimately prove even more enduring. By investing in the next generation of Crimson Tide athletes, he’s helping ensure that the program remains a powerhouse—not just in terms of wins and rankings, but in the lives it shapes and the leaders it produces.
As college football fans look toward the future, they can do so with optimism knowing that players like Patrick Surtain II are leading the way. His $3 million pledge is more than a donation—it’s a declaration. A declaration of belief in Alabama, in its values, and in the power of giving back. It’s a reminder that true greatness isn’t just measured by stats or trophies, but by the impact one leaves behind.
In making this bold and generous commitment, Surtain has set a new standard for what it means to be a Crimson Tide alumnus. And in doing so, he has written another unforgettable chapter in a career defined by excellence, character, and heart.