Former OU Quarterback Sam Bradford Pledges Donation To OU

Former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford has pledged to donate $500,000 to the OU Athletics Department. The donation will be used to help with the construction of Headington Hall, OU's new athletic housing facility that will open in fall 2013.

Bradford was a first team All-American in 2008, a year where he won the Heisman Trophy, Davy O'Brien Award, Sammy Baugh Trophy and the Chic Harley Award.

"My experience at Oklahoma made it possible for me to realize my dreams," said Bradford. "The coaches, the academic environment and every aspect of being a student-athlete at OU made me a better person. I am honored to give back to a program that did so much for me and hope that in some way this contribution can make it possible for those who follow me to enjoy the same kind of experience I did as a Sooner."

The new Wagner Dining Hall, located in Headington Hall, will be named "The Sam Bradford Training Table," in honor of Bradford's donation.

"Sam Bradford's gift is deeply appreciated," said OU President David L. Boren. "It will help many future participants in OU's athletics program. Gifts like Sam's also set an important example for others who have played on our teams in the past."

Joe Castiglione, OU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics also applauded Bradford's act of philanthropy.

"Sam Bradford developed into a consummate leader and an award-winning student-athlete at the University of Oklahoma," said Castiglione. "Sam embraced our incredible tradition here at OU and was relentless in helping his teammates enhance it. In Sam's typical humble fashion, he continues to serve as a wonderful role model for all OU alumni through his actions and deeds like this generous gift to OU Athletics and Headington Hall.

"Just as others before him, he leaves a legacy which allows future student-athletes to enjoy that same experience of a lifetime he relished. We appreciate Sam's commitment to this project that will benefit a wide range of students, and improve the quality of life for the entire OU campus."

Headington Hall is a $75 million, 230,000-square-foot housing center for OU students and student-athletes being constructed on the corner of Jenkins Ave. and Lindsey St., southeast and across the street from Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Fans interested in learning more about contributing to the construction fund should contact the Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000 or toll-free at (866) 766-6372.

Bradford, an Oklahoma City native concluded his collegiate career holding 15 school records, including marks for passing yards (8,403) and TD passes (88). In total, he completed 604 of 893 passes, finishing his tenure in Norman with a 6.25-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio, one of the best marks in college football history. He also set the NCAA freshman/sophomore record for TD passes during with 86.

Bradford was the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.