Rams’ Aaron Donald makes historic contribution to alma mater Pittsburgh
He might not be very charitable toward opposing teams’ quarterbacks, but Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has a completely different view about his alma mater.
The University of Pittsburgh announced Friday that Donald made a “seven-figure financial commitment to the Pitt Football Championship Fund.†It is the largest donation ever to the program by a “Pitt football letterman,†the school said.
Before last season, Donald signed a $135-million contract extension that included $87 million guaranteed. The former Pitt star recorded a league-leading 20½ sacks and was voted NFL defensive player of the year for the second year in a row.
Donald, the 13th pick in the 2014 draft, continues to train at Pitt during the offseason. As a result of his donation, the ground floor of the school’s Duratz Athletic Complex practice facility will be renamed the Aaron Donald Football Performance Center.
“It was a dream come true to play for the University of Pittsburgh,†Donald said in a statement on the school’s website. “My experience as a Panther is something that influences my life every day and I want to pay that forward. I believe in what Coach [Pat] Narduzzi is building at Pitt and this was an opportunity for me to make a difference for our current and future players. Pitt will always be my school and I’m honored to be able to support the Blue and Gold.â€
The Rams begin offseason workouts Monday.
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