The Minnesota Vikings salute all service members past and present during the 2013 Military Appreciation Day at Mall of America Field Nov 7. During the halftime show former Vikings Hall of Famer, Chris Carter received his Hall of Fame ring. Photos by Army Sgt. Johnny Angelo, Minnesota National Guard.
Cris Carter a former football legend donates $18.2 million to Ryan Day for the construction of a new stadium. He says that Ohio State Buckeyes pride is a part of him wherever he goes and is dedicated to helping the team’s future by making a historic contribution to the new arena.
In the world of college football, few names carry the weight and prestige of Cris Carter, a former NFL star whose legacy transcends beyond the football field. As a receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins, Carter made a lasting impact on the NFL, leaving behind a reputation for excellence, consistency, and dedication. However, Carter’s ties to his alma mater, The Ohio State University, remain equally significant in the eyes of fans and alumni. In a stunning display of loyalty and support, Carter has made an unprecedented donation of $18.2 million to Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, in support of the construction of a new stadium for the team.
This remarkable gesture underscores not only Carter’s unwavering love for Ohio State but also his desire to invest in the future of the program he holds so dear. His generous contribution is a powerful reminder of the strength of alumni connections and the profound impact that former players can have on the trajectory of their university’s athletic programs.
Cris Carter’s journey to NFL stardom is a testament to his resilience and work ethic. Born in Troy, Ohio, Carter was a standout player in high school before committing to Ohio State University in 1984. At Ohio State, Carter quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic wide receiver, showcasing the skills that would later make him a Hall of Fame player in the NFL. Over the course of his career at Ohio State, Carter established himself as one of the top wideouts in college football, earning All-Big Ten honors and catching the attention of NFL scouts.
After leaving Ohio State early to enter the 1987 NFL Draft, Carter faced the harsh realities of professional football. His career took off after he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 1987 draft. However, it wasn’t an easy path. Carter struggled with addiction issues early in his career, but with the help of mentors and his own determination, he turned his life and career around.
In the NFL, Carter would go on to become one of the league’s most prolific receivers. Known for his ability to catch anything thrown his way, Carter amassed over 1,000 receptions, 130 receiving touchdowns, and more than 13,000 yards in his illustrious career. He became a dominant force in the NFL, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Despite his success on the field, Carter never forgot where it all began—at Ohio State University.
Cris Carter’s relationship with Ohio State runs deeper than football. His pride in being a Buckeye has been a constant in his life, even after he left college for the NFL. Carter has often spoken about how his time at Ohio State shaped him, not just as a football player, but as a person. His loyalty to the Buckeyes and his passion for the university’s athletic programs have only grown stronger as the years have gone by. Even during his professional career, Carter maintained close ties to the Ohio State community, frequently returning to Columbus for games, events, and charitable initiatives.
In interviews and public appearances, Carter has often expressed his belief that Ohio State is more than just a university—it’s a family. This sense of belonging has only intensified as he’s grown older and seen the impact that the Ohio State football program has on the lives of its athletes and fans. For Carter, the Ohio State experience is one of camaraderie, excellence, and tradition, and it’s something he has never taken for granted.
In a moment that took the college football world by surprise, Cris Carter announced in early 2025 that he would be donating $18.2 million to Ohio State’s football program for the construction of a new stadium. The donation was revealed in a heartfelt statement where Carter explained his motivations for such a substantial contribution.
“Ohio State pride is a part of me wherever I go,” Carter said. “The Buckeye spirit has shaped me, and I want to make sure future generations of players and fans have the same opportunities I had. This donation is a small way for me to give back to the program that gave me so much and to ensure that Ohio State continues to be at the forefront of college football for years to come.”
The announcement was made in partnership with Ohio State’s head football coach, Ryan Day, who expressed deep gratitude for Carter’s gesture. “Cris has always been a champion for Ohio State,” Day said in a statement. “His donation is a game-changer for our program and will help us build a stadium that will serve as a symbol of our commitment to excellence. This is an investment in our athletes, our fans, and the entire Ohio State community.”
The $18.2 million donation will go towards the construction of a new stadium that will not only serve as a home for the Buckeyes but will also feature state-of-the-art facilities for players, coaches, and fans. The stadium will be designed with modern technology in mind, offering improved seating arrangements, luxury suites, and fan engagement zones that will elevate the game-day experience. Moreover, the new stadium will include advanced training and medical facilities for the players, allowing them to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
For Cris Carter, the decision to donate such a large sum of money to Ohio State was a deeply personal one. The Buckeyes have always been more than just a football team to him—they are a family, a source of pride, and a central part of his identity. Over the years, Carter has watched Ohio State grow into one of the most successful and influential football programs in the country. With that growth has come an increased demand for resources and infrastructure to support the team’s rising ambitions.
“The game of football has evolved, and Ohio State has evolved with it,” Carter explained. “In order to remain competitive on the national stage, we need to ensure our facilities are state-of-the-art. We need to provide our players with the best training, medical care, and fan experience possible. This donation is a way for me to contribute to that future.”
Moreover, Carter’s donation is a reflection of his belief in the program’s continued success under the leadership of Ryan Day. Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, has already made a significant impact on the team, guiding the Buckeyes to several successful seasons and positioning them as perennial contenders for national championships. Carter’s support for Day and the coaching staff is a testament to his confidence in the direction the program is heading.
“Ryan Day is a winner,” Carter said. “I’ve watched him build this program with discipline, integrity, and a focus on developing young men, not just as athletes, but as people. I have no doubt that the Buckeyes will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Cris Carter’s historic donation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Ohio State football. The new stadium will provide a much-needed upgrade to the team’s facilities, ensuring that the Buckeyes can continue to compete at the highest level. The addition of world-class amenities for players, coaches, and fans will enhance the overall experience for everyone involved in the program.
For the players, the new stadium will serve as a symbol of the hard work and dedication required to succeed at Ohio State. With improved training facilities, medical resources, and locker rooms, the athletes will have the tools they need to achieve their goals. The stadium will also provide a larger stage for future recruits to showcase their talents, drawing in top-tier talent from across the country.
For fans, the new stadium will offer an even more immersive and exciting game-day experience. With larger seating capacities, enhanced fan zones, and modern technology throughout the venue, supporters will have the opportunity to engage with the team in new and innovative ways. The stadium will become not just a place to watch football, but a hub for community and pride—something that Ohio State fans have come to expect.
Moreover, the stadium will stand as a testament to Cris Carter’s generosity and commitment to the Ohio State community. His donation will ensure that the Buckeyes remain a dominant force in college football for years to come, and it will serve as a reminder of the impact that alumni can have on the future of their alma mater.
Cris Carter’s $18.2 million donation is more than just a financial contribution—it is a statement of his deep-rooted connection to Ohio State and a reflection of his unwavering belief in the future of the football program. It is a reminder that, for many athletes, their college experience is not just a stepping stone to professional success—it is a foundational part of who they are.
As Ohio State embarks on this new chapter with a state-of-the-art stadium, Cris Carter’s generosity will continue to resonate throughout the university and its football program. His contribution is a powerful example of how one individual’s passion and dedication can create lasting change and impact the lives of future generations. In doing so, Carter has ensured that the Ohio State Buckeyes will have a bright future, one that honors the legacy of those who came before and prepares the next generation for success.
Carter’s donation is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about continuing the legacy of excellence that defines Ohio State University. It is about building a future that honors the past while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern era. And most importantly, it is about giving back to the program that has given so much to him and to countless others who call themselves Buckeyes.
