BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Football Star Jeremiah Smith Donates Entire $20 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Deal to Charity
In a stunning act of generosity and compassion, Ohio State Buckeyes football standout Jeremiah Smith has announced that he is donating his entire $20 million bonus and sponsorship deal to charity—specifically targeting organizations that support homeless relief, hunger prevention, and aid for struggling veterans.
Smith, widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in college football, made the announcement during a press conference on campus, where he was joined by teammates, coaches, and representatives from several nonprofit organizations. The room fell silent as the athlete revealed that he would not be keeping a single dollar of the multimillion-dollar windfall he recently received.
“This is bigger than football. There are millions of people struggling every single day—families without homes, kids without enough food to eat, veterans without the support they deserve,” Smith said, referencing a heartfelt conversation he had with a homeless veteran last year that helped shape his perspective. “If I have the ability to help, then I have a responsibility to do something about it.”
The $20 million donation will be distributed among several well-established and community-focused organizations, including Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior Project, and local Ohio-based shelters and outreach programs. A portion of the funds will also go toward creating the “Jeremiah Smith Hope Initiative,” a new nonprofit dedicated to offering housing, job training, and mental health services to those in need.
Smith’s actions have sent shockwaves through the sports world, as it is virtually unheard of for a college athlete—especially one poised to enter the NFL—to give away such a large sum of money at the height of his career. His selflessness has earned him admiration not only from Ohio State fans but also from people across the country who see his gesture as a beacon of hope in a time of widespread hardship.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Smith for his leadership and character, saying, “Jeremiah is a special kind of player—but he’s an even more special kind of person. What he’s doing here isn’t just generous; it’s inspiring.”
Teammates have also expressed pride in Smith’s decision, calling it a reminder of what it means to truly use your platform for good. “He’s always talked about making an impact off the field,” said fellow Buckeye linebacker Cade Stover. “Now he’s doing it on a level none of us imagined.”
Social media has erupted with praise, with hashtags like #JeremiahSmith and #HopeInitiative trending nationally. Supporters are calling his donation one of the most meaningful gestures made by an athlete in recent memory.
As for Smith, he remains humble amid the attention. “At the end of the day, this isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about helping people who need it. If even one life is changed because of this, then it was all worth it.”
With this extraordinary act, Jeremiah Smith has proven that true greatness isn’t just measured in touchdowns—but in heart.
