Historical Move: Former Football Legend Terrence Brian Bosworth Donates $12.2 Million to Brent Venables for New Football Stadium Project
NORMAN, OK — In a gesture that will be remembered for generations, former University of Oklahoma football legend Terrence Brian Bosworth has donated his entire $12.2 million estate to head coach Brent Venables, earmarking the contribution for the development of a new state-of-the-art football stadium for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Bosworth, widely regarded as one of the most dominant linebackers in college football history, made the announcement in a heartfelt statement delivered Saturday afternoon. “Oklahoma pride lives within me wherever I go,” Bosworth said. “This program gave me everything — identity, opportunity, and purpose. It’s time I gave back in a way that truly reflects my commitment to the future of Oklahoma football.”
The donation marks one of the largest personal contributions ever made by a former collegiate athlete to their alma mater. Brent Venables, visibly moved by the news, praised Bosworth not only for his generosity but also for his unwavering dedication to the program. “This is more than a donation — it’s a legacy,” Venables said. “Brian Bosworth has always led with passion and intensity, and now he’s helping us build the future with that same energy.”
The funds will directly support the initial phase of construction on a new stadium complex, which will feature enhanced training facilities, expanded fan seating, and advanced technology integration to create a world-class environment for both players and supporters. The stadium, expected to break ground in early 2026, will also include a “Bosworth Legacy Plaza” — a tribute to the linebacker’s iconic career and enduring impact on the Oklahoma community.
Bosworth, affectionately known as “The Boz,” played for the Sooners from 1984 to 1986, earning two Butkus Awards and becoming a symbol of the program’s defensive dominance. While his NFL career was cut short, his passion for the game and deep ties to the university have only grown stronger over the decades.
“In every chapter of my life, from the NFL to Hollywood to retirement, Oklahoma has been my foundation,” Bosworth added. “This is more than a gift. It’s a promise that the spirit of the Sooners will never fade — not on my watch.”
The university has announced plans for a formal groundbreaking ceremony and community event later this year to honor Bosworth’s contribution and unveil the full vision for the new stadium. Fans and alumni are already calling it a landmark moment in Oklahoma football history.
With Bosworth’s bold gesture, the future of Sooners football looks brighter — and prouder — than ever.