HEART OF A CHAMPION: BYU Cougars Donate $80 Million for Texas Flood Relief — Coach Kalani Sitake Joins Rescue Efforts on the Ground
In an extraordinary act of compassion and leadership, BYU Cougars football program has stepped up in a monumental way, donating a staggering $80 million toward Texas flood relief efforts. The announcement, which has drawn praise from across the nation, underscores the program’s deep commitment to service, unity, and humanity beyond the gridiron.
At the forefront of this heartfelt gesture is Head Coach Kalani Sitake, who didn’t just sign off on the donation—he boarded a plane and joined rescue operations in person. Sitake was spotted working side-by-side with volunteers, wading through flood-damaged neighborhoods, helping distribute supplies, and offering support to families devastated by the disaster. His presence on the ground has struck an emotional chord with Texans and college football fans alike.
In a statement shared from the relief zone, Sitake said, “This is bigger than football. When people are hurting, we step up. That’s who we are as a team and as a community.”
The $80 million donation is being allocated toward emergency shelters, food and water supplies, home repairs, and infrastructure recovery. Several BYU athletes have also committed to making the trip to assist with clean-up and rebuilding efforts in the coming weeks.
This bold act of charity showcases the core values that have long defined the BYU program: faith, family, and service. As the floodwaters begin to recede, the impact of the Cougars’ generosity will be felt for years to come.
In a sport often driven by competition and accolades, BYU just proved that the greatest victories happen off the field.