Football has an endless list of admirers who do the most unexpected things for its growth. One such person is Bradford M. Freeman, a former Stanford football player and businessman made headlines after making a record-breaking USD 50 million donation to Stanford University’s football program.
The massive donation is the largest individual gift in the program’s history, which has caught the attention of both the sports fans and alumni. Here is what made Bradford take the high-stakes decision.
Why did Bradford Freeman donate USD 50 million to Stanford’s football program?
According to ESPN, Bradford Freeman had made a donation of USD 50 million to Stanford University’s football program to strengthen its potential in the sport’s future. It comes at a crucial time when college athletics is evolving rapidly with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) programs. Andrew Luck, Stanford Football general manager, praised Bradford and called his decision a significant step towards building a sustainable and championship-caliber program. Sharing an official statement about the same, he said:
“We are positioned to win on the field and build a bridge to a sustainable future for Stanford football.”
Stanford University revealed that Bradford’s donation would fund five new football scholarships. Moreover, it will encourage the university’s institutional NIL program, letting student-athletes receive more support. At the same time, Stanford University will rename the team tunnel at their Stadium as “Bradford M. Freeman Tunnel” and name one of the major entrances after him to honour his large-heartedness.
Bradford Freeman’s vision for his USD 50 million donation
Bradford Freeman took the opportunity to share his vision behind his landmark contribution. He revealed that he primarily intended to give back to the institution that shaped his life. In the statement to the school’s news release, the businessman mentioned he was grateful for every opportunity he received due to his Stanford football scholarship. Eventually, it changed the trajectory of his life. Consequently, he hopes that his donation will bring a new era of excellence for the university’s football and enable it to address the new financial demands of competitive college athletics.
Who is Bradford Freeman, and his net worth?
Bradford Freeman, born in Mississippi went to study on a Stanford football scholarship and graduated in 1964 with a degree in economics. Beyond sports, he became a successful businessman and philanthropist, co-founding the investment firm Freeman Spogli & Co., one of the leading private equity firms in the U.S. Bradford has maintained close ties with Stanford over the decades.
Previously, in 1988, he had made history by giving the nation’s first head coaching position, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, a title still held by the university’s head coach to date. According to GuruFocus.com, with SEC filings, it is reported that Bradford Freeman has an estimated net worth of USD 13 million in 2025. Additionally, he has some stock holdings and private investments.
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