ESPN SHOCKER: Super Bowl MVP Darren Sproles Teams with Star RB DJ Giddens to Drop Multi-Million Dollar Gift on Kansas State Football
Manhattan, KS — In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Kansas State University announced today that Super Bowl MVP Darren Sproles and current Wildcat standout running back DJ Giddens have joined forces to deliver a multi-million dollar gift to the K-State football program. The donation marks one of the most significant private contributions in school history and signals a bold new era for Wildcats football.
Sproles, a K-State legend and one of the most electrifying backs in NFL history, teamed up with Giddens, the rising star and Topeka native, to launch a powerhouse endowment aimed at transforming the program from the inside out. The endowment will provide scholarships, enhance athletic facilities, and elevate developmental resources, helping the Wildcats compete at the highest level for years to come.
“We’re building something that lasts,” Sproles said at Thursday’s surprise press conference. “K-State gave me everything. It shaped me, believed in me. Now it’s time to give back in a way that inspires future generations.”
The donation—believed to exceed $10 million—will be used to fund a new state-of-the-art training complex, upgrade locker rooms, and establish the “Wildcat Legacy Scholarship Fund,” which will help cover full-ride scholarships for under-recruited and underprivileged athletes across the nation.
Giddens, who rushed for over 1,200 yards in the 2024 season, emphasized the gift’s deeper meaning. “This isn’t just about football,” he said. “It’s about opportunity. It’s about dreams. We’re planting seeds so young players from every background can come to K-State, chase greatness, and know they belong.”
University President Richard Linton called the gift “transformational,” praising the duo for their commitment to education, inclusion, and athletic excellence.
“This endowment reflects the heart of what it means to be a Wildcat,” Linton said. “Darren and DJ are more than athletes—they’re leaders who understand the power of legacy.”
Head coach Chris Klieman, who has led K-State to back-to-back Big 12 Championship appearances, said the infusion of resources will give the program a competitive edge on and off the field.
“This is a game-changer,” Klieman stated. “Our future just got brighter.”
The move is already resonating with fans, recruits, and alumni, reigniting hopes of a national title run in the coming years.
One thing is clear: with the legendary Darren Sproles and the fearless DJ Giddens leading the charge, Kansas State football is poised to reach new heights.