Chuck Howley Makes History with Monumental $60 Million Gift to West Virginia Football Program—A Game-Changing Legacy for Generations to Come

Chuck Howley Makes History with Monumental $60 Million Gift to West Virginia Football Program—A Game-Changing Legacy for Generations to Come

MORGANTOWN, WV – In a breathtaking act of philanthropy that will resonate for decades, Pro Football Hall of Famer and West Virginia University (WVU)legend Chuck Howley has announced a historic $60 million gift to the Mountaineer football program. This transformative contribution represents the largest single donation in the program’s history and is poised to revolutionize the landscape of WVU football, providing unparalleled resources for youth development and solidifying Howley’s legacy as a Mountaineer icon.

 

Chuck Howley, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a graduate of WVU, is one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history. After a stellar collegiate career with the Mountaineers, Howley went on to achieve extraordinary success in the NFL, most notably with the Dallas Cowboys, where he earned Super Bowl MVP honors—the only player from a losing team to ever do so. His legendary status in the annals of football is matched only by his deep and abiding love for his home state and his alma mater.

 

At a press conference held at the WVU Mountaineer Touchdown Club, Howley, surrounded by family, friends, and university officials, shared his motivation for the unprecedented gift.

“West Virginia University and Mountaineer football hold a special place in my heart,” Howley stated. “This university gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, and the people of this state have always been incredibly supportive. I wanted to make a gift that would not only transform the football program but also provide opportunities for young people throughout West Virginia.”

The $60 million gift will be managed by the WVU Foundation and the university’s athletic department, with a focus on the following key areas:

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: A significant portion of the gift will be used to construct and upgrade facilities, including a new football complex with cutting-edge training equipment, expanded locker rooms, and enhanced recovery and rehabilitation centers. These improvements will provide Mountaineer athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

• Student-Athlete Development: The endowment will fund comprehensive programs designed to support the holistic development of student-athletes, including academic support services, leadership training, and career development initiatives.
• Recruiting Edge: The gift will provide the football program with a substantial advantage in recruiting top talent from across the nation. Enhanced facilities and support services will make WVU a premier destination for elite high school players.
• Youth Football Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent, a portion of the funds will be dedicated to supporting youth football programs throughout West Virginia. This will include providing equipment, coaching resources, and scholarships to ensure that all young athletes have the opportunity to participate in the sport.

WVU President Gordon Gee expressed his profound gratitude for Howley’s extraordinary generosity. “Chuck Howley’s gift is a game-changer for West Virginia University and our football program,” Gee said. “This historic contribution will have a lasting impact on our student-athletes, our university, and the entire state. Chuck is a true Mountaineer, and his commitment to giving back is an inspiration to us all.”

Director of Athletics Wren Baker echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the transformative nature of Howley’s gift. “This is a momentous day for WVU Athletics,” Baker stated. “Chuck Howley’s unparalleled generosity will provide our football program with the resources it needs to compete at the highest level and will have a positive impact on countless young lives. We are incredibly grateful for his vision and his unwavering support for the Mountaineers.”

 

Howley’s legacy at WVU is already firmly established. He was a standout athlete for the Mountaineers in the 1950s, earning accolades for his performance on the football field. His contributions to the university extend far beyond his athletic achievements. He has remained a loyal supporter of WVU throughout his life, and this gift solidifies his place among the university’s most revered figures.

The impact of Howley’s $60 million gift will be felt for generations to come. It will not only elevate the WVU football program to new heights but also empower young people across West Virginia to pursue their dreams. This historic act of philanthropy serves as a testament to the enduring power of sports to transform lives and communities.