Unbelievable Move: Texas Tech Red Raiders Head Coach Joey McGuire Donates $70 Million to Empower Less-Privileged Youth – But There’s More to the Story…read more here….
In a stunning and heartfelt announcement that’s captured national attention, Texas Tech Red Raiders head football coach Joey McGuire has committed a staggering $70 million of his personal wealth to a new initiative aimed at transforming the lives of less-privileged youth across Texas and beyond. The coach, known for his relentless passion on the field and unwavering commitment to his players, revealed the surprise during a visit to a youth leadership summit in Lubbock.
What began as a routine appearance turned into a watershed moment for the Texas Tech community.
“This isn’t about football,” McGuire said, standing before a packed auditorium filled with young students. “This is about giving kids a shot—kids who have the talent, the fire, the potential—but who’ve never had the opportunity.”
The initiative, named “Ground Zero Rising,” will launch this summer with a mission to uplift underserved youth through education, mentorship, athletics, and mental health resources. The name reflects McGuire’s own roots—from humble beginnings as a high school coach to leading one of the most respected programs in the Big 12.
“I know what it’s like to start with nothing but a dream and a hard work ethic,” McGuire said. “This foundation is about creating a ladder for kids to climb, no matter how low their starting point.”
Ground Zero Rising will operate with four main pillars:
1. Education Access – Providing scholarships, tutoring centers, and tech grants for students in underfunded districts.
2. Athletic Development – Offering free sports camps, gear, travel assistance, and recruiting exposure for overlooked youth athletes.
3. Mental Wellness – Launching community wellness hubs that offer therapy, mentorship, and leadership training.
4. Family Empowerment – Supplying housing aid, job resources, and crisis support to families in need.
The first Ground Zero Rising Youth Hub will be located in West Texas, just outside of Lubbock, with plans to expand into Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and parts of rural Texas by 2026. McGuire said the goal is to serve at least 50,000 children and teens within the next 10 years.
The donation stunned many within the college football world—not just because of its size, but because of McGuire’s direct and deeply personal involvement.
“I’m not just writing a check,” he stated. “I’ll be in these communities. I’ll be visiting the centers. These kids will know my face and hear my voice telling them they matter.”
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec praised McGuire’s vision. “Coach McGuire is proving that leadership isn’t just about wins—it’s about impact. He’s redefining what it means to serve.”
Reactions from the sports world poured in. Former Red Raiders star Patrick Mahomes posted: “Coach McGuire is a real one. This is what changing lives looks like. Proud to be part of the Red Raider family.”
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark called the move “a landmark moment in college athletics,” adding that McGuire’s initiative could spark a wave of similar philanthropic efforts across the country.
But the most moving responses came from the youth in attendance. One 15-year-old student from East Lubbock, speaking through tears, said, “I never thought anyone saw us. I never thought someone like Coach McGuire would fight for kids like me.”
McGuire stepped down from the podium and hugged the student. “I see you,” he said. “And I’m not the only one.”
While the foundation’s focus will begin in Texas, McGuire made it clear his dream is national. Talks are reportedly already underway to partner with other college coaches and athletes to bring Ground Zero Rising to underserved communities throughout the Midwest and Deep South.
He also teased a future mentorship program that would pair current Texas Tech athletes with students enrolled in the foundation, creating a mentorship chain from campus to community.
“Football is my job,” McGuire said. “But building futures—that’s my purpose.”
