Former Pitt Star Aaron Donald Makes Historic Donation
The NFL superstar becomes the youngest seven-figure donor in school history.
NFL superstar Aaron Donald is giving back to his alma mater, with a historic seven-figure financial commitment to the Pitt Football Championship Fund.
The University of Pittsburgh announced the donation this morning. Donald, a Penn Hills native, now plays for the Los Angeles Rams. He's won NFL Defensive Player of the Year the last two seasons and led the Rams to the Super Bowl this past season. In 2018, Donald led the NFL in sacks (20.5), setting a record for the most ever by an interior lineman.
"My experience as a Panther is something that influences my life every day and I want to pay that forward," Donald said in a statement. "This was an opportunity for me to make a difference for our current and future players. Pitt will always be my school and I'm honored to be able to support the Blue and Gold."
Pitt announced that in recognition of Donald's donation, the ground floor of Pitt's Duratz Athletic Complex practice facility will be renamed the "Aaron Donald Football Performance Center."
Penn Hills native, Pitt alum Aaron Donald attends a basketball game at his alma mater.
@aarondonald99 on Instagram.
"Aaron Donald is a legendary football player but he's also a legendary human being," Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. "Aaron is the toast of Los Angeles but he's still a Pitt and Penn Hills guy at heart. He's humble, hardworking and has never forgotten where he came from."
Donald played on Pitt's defensive line from 2010 to 2013. Now 27, Pitt says he is the youngest seven-figure donor in the history of the University and gave the largest donation ever by a football letterman to the program. Last year, Donald signed a 6-year, $135 million contract extension with the Rams that includes $87 million in guaranteed money.
Donald helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl, after signing a 6-year, $135 million dollar contract extension.
@aarondonald99 on Instagram.