Aaron Donald is no stranger to giving back. The strength and performance center at Pitt’s South Side facility is named after him because he became the youngest seven-figure donor in university history.
It wasn’t a one-off event either, as he donated $200,000 to the Football Championship Drive on Pitt’s Day of Giving last year, and he’s officially made another $200,000 donation this year.
There have been over 100 donations to Pitt’s Football Championship Fund, with nine hours left to donate as of 3 p.m., including $20,000 from head coach Pat Narduzzi and his family.
The Football Championship Fund is a way for anyone to give back to the program.
“The Pitt Football program has a storied history with nine National Championships, and our program is built through support by donors, like you,” the Pitt Day of Giving website said. “Making a gift to the Pitt Football Championship Fund will directly assist our program with vital facility enhancements, recruiting, team functions, and the success of our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your support. Hail to Pitt!”
Donald was a first round pick out of Pitt in 2014, following an All-American four-year career in Pittsburgh. He racked up 181 tackles (115 solo), 66 tackles for loss, 29.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and defended 10 passes during his career.
Donald’s senior campaign of 59 tackles (43 solo), 28.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and three passes defended rounded out one of the best defensive efforts in Pitt history — and college football history.
Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has found his name circulating in retirement rumors over the last two offseasons, but he confirmed on social media that he will return for the 2023 season.
As Donald battled through injuries, missing six games, in the 2022 season, he was not named to the All-Pro team for the first time since his rookie season.
In nine seasons, he’s tacked up 490 tackles (312 solo), 160 tackles for loss, 103 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and seven recoveries and 18 pass breakups — cementing himself as one of the greats at just 31.
A-D is a class act. Hope it inspires some others to do the same. Donalds success and visibility in the program is a big recruit sell. Too bad Pitt never got any mileage out of Dan Marino who was a superstar for a lot of years but never seemed involved.