BREAKING NEWS: Alabama Football Legend Derrick Henry Makes Monumental $14.8 Million Donation to the University of Alabama for Stadium Renovation
TUSCALOOSA, AL — In a historic and heartfelt gesture that further cements his legacy in Crimson Tide history, Alabama football legend and NFL star Derrick Henry has donated a staggering $14.8 million to the University of Alabama to support the ongoing renovation of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The contribution marks the largest single donation ever made by a former Alabama athlete and is being hailed by university officials as a transformative moment in the storied program’s history.
A Legacy That Keeps Giving
Henry, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most dominant running backs to ever wear the crimson and white, released a statement through the university’s athletics department:
“The University of Alabama gave me everything—a platform, a brotherhood, and a lifelong family. This is my way of giving back to the place that built me. Bryant-Denny Stadium isn’t just a field. It’s a symbol of tradition, toughness, and triumph. I want the next generation of players and fans to feel the magic like I did.”
Henry’s donation will go directly toward the next phase of the Bryant-Denny Stadium renovation project, which includes expanded locker rooms, state-of-the-art training facilities, upgraded fan experiences, and enhanced technology infrastructure. The university confirmed that a portion of the upgrades funded by Henry’s donation will be dedicated in his honor.
“The House That Derrick Helped Build”
University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell praised the donation, saying, “Derrick Henry is not only a champion on the field, but a leader off of it. His generosity will impact generations of Crimson Tide athletes and fans. This gift reflects his character, his commitment to excellence, and his unbreakable bond with the University of Alabama.”
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who recently took the reins from Nick Saban, also weighed in: “What Derrick just did speaks volumes. He’s already a legend on the field—but this, this is what being part of the Alabama family is all about. It sets the tone for what it means to wear that jersey.”
A New Chapter for Bryant-Denny
Bryant-Denny Stadium, already one of the most iconic venues in college football, is undergoing a multi-phase enhancement project aimed at modernizing the fan and player experience while preserving the tradition that makes Alabama football sacred.
Henry’s donation accelerates Phase 2 of the project, with plans to unveil the completed renovations by the 2026 season. Among the proposed improvements funded by Henry’s gift:
- A brand-new Derrick Henry Strength & Performance Center
- A commemorative plaza featuring a statue of Henry alongside past Crimson Tide legends
- Enhanced luxury seating and digital fan zones
Bigger Than Football
Derrick Henry, now a star with the Baltimore Ravens, has always remained connected to his roots. From mentoring young players to launching youth foundations, this donation is the latest chapter in a life marked by humility, loyalty, and leadership.
As thousands of Alabama fans took to social media to celebrate the announcement, one comment stood out:
“Derrick Henry ran through defenses, won the Heisman, and now he’s running back home—this time, with a gift that will live forever.”
Bryant-Denny Stadium is changing—but the heart of Alabama football remains the same. And Derrick Henry just made sure of that.
