Breaking News: Former Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Legend Zach Thomas Donates Entire $12.2 Million to University for New Stadium Project
LUBBOCK, TX – In a powerful gesture of loyalty and legacy, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Texas Tech Red Raiders football icon Zach Thomas has donated his entire $12.2 million to his alma mater to support the university’s new stadium project. The generous contribution is one of the largest single donations ever made by a former athlete to the university and underscores Thomas’s unwavering connection to Texas Tech.
The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony on campus, where Thomas stood before students, coaches, and university leadership. His voice thick with emotion, Thomas said, “Texas Tech pride lives within me wherever I go. This university made me who I am, and now it’s my turn to invest in its future. I’m committed to ensuring that the next generation of Red Raiders have a home they can be proud of.”
The donation will go directly toward the ongoing renovation and expansion of Jones AT&T Stadium, a project aimed at transforming the facility into a state-of-the-art venue that reflects the growth and ambition of Texas Tech athletics. Plans include upgraded seating, enhanced training facilities, a new student-athlete academic center, and modern fan amenities.
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Zach Thomas has always represented the heart of Texas Tech – gritty, determined, and loyal. His gift is not just a financial contribution; it’s a symbol of what it means to be a Red Raider for life.”
Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt added, “Zach’s legacy on the field is unmatched, and now his impact off the field will benefit generations to come. This is a transformative moment for Texas Tech football.”
Thomas, a standout linebacker during his college years in the early 1990s, went on to have a legendary NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023, an honor that solidified his place among the all-time greats. Despite his national acclaim, Thomas has remained closely tied to Lubbock and the university that launched his career.
In his closing remarks, Thomas emphasized the importance of giving back. “This gift is for the players, the fans, the students, and the community. It’s for every Red Raider who believes in our future.”
The university has announced that part of the stadium will be named in Thomas’s honor, ensuring that his commitment to Texas Tech will be remembered for decades to come.
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