BREAKING NEWS: Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire Donates Entire $20 Million Signing Bonus to Combat Homelessness
In a powerful and unprecedented act of generosity, Texas Tech Red Raiders football head coach Joey McGuire has donated the entirety of his $20 million signing bonus and sponsorship earnings to charities and organizations that support the homeless. The announcement, made early Tuesday morning, has sent ripples through the world of college athletics and beyond, inspiring many with McGuire’s selfless dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.
“Millions of people are facing hardship every day—families without shelter, kids going hungry, veterans lacking the help they need,” McGuire said in a statement. “I could easily be one of them. Football has given me more than I ever imagined, and it’s time I use that blessing to make a real difference.”
McGuire, a beloved figure in Lubbock since taking over the Red Raiders program, recently signed a lucrative contract extension after a successful season marked by strong recruiting and a reinvigorated team culture. Rather than celebrate his personal financial milestone, he chose to redirect 100% of his earnings toward combating homelessness, hunger, and systemic poverty.
His $20 million donation will be distributed across several regional and national organizations, including:
Habitat for Humanity Texas – providing affordable housing for families in need
Feeding America – supporting nationwide hunger relief efforts
The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center – offering shelter and support services in Texas
Veterans Matter – housing homeless veterans across the country
Lubbock Homeless Consortium – supporting local outreach and services in McGuire’s home community
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec praised the move as “a defining moment not only for our university, but for college sports as a whole. Coach McGuire is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about wins—it’s about heart, vision, and compassion.”
The emotional announcement was first shared in a private team meeting, where McGuire reportedly told his players: “You all are leaders in your own way. Let’s show the world what real leadership looks like—on and off the field.”
Players responded with a standing ovation, and several later took to social media to share their gratitude and respect. “Coach just taught us the biggest lesson of all,” one player posted. “Give back. Be bigger than the game.”
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Across platforms, hashtags like #McGuireStrong, #CoachWithAHeart, and #RedRaiderRespect began trending within hours of the news breaking. College football analysts, media outlets, and fans from all programs have applauded the move as a rare and inspiring display of values-driven leadership in modern athletics.
Joey McGuire’s gift is more than a donation—it’s a rallying cry for action, empathy, and responsibility. At a time when college sports are more commercialized than ever, McGuire is proving that success doesn’t just come in championships, but in the lives you change along the way.
Texas Tech may be rising in the rankings, but today, it’s their coach’s humanity that’s truly winning.