Top News: Former Vanderbilt Cornerback Elite pledged a “MASSIVE” $1 million to Vanderbilt’s Football program

Former Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward has donated $ 1 million to the university’s football program, as announced on Friday afternoon.

Hayward played four seasons for the Commodores, finishing his college career with All-American and Second-team All-SEC honors in 2011. During his senior year, he recorded 62 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, where he spent four seasons before moving to the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers for five years. His career also included a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders and another with the Atlanta Falcons. While with the Chargers, he earned two Second-team All-Pro selections and made the Pro Bowl in both 2016 and 2017.

This donation is “among the largest” contributions from former student-athletes who have played professionally and is the biggest ever made by a former Vanderbilt Football player, according to the program’s announcement.

“I want young people coming in to realize they are part of an institution that people hold in high regard,” Hayward remarked. “You come to Vanderbilt for a specific reason. I came for football and academics, but many others come to pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, and in various other fields. However, we all choose Vanderbilt because of the reputation and everything it stands for.”

The funds will establish the “Casey Hayward Athletic Scholarship,” an endowed scholarship for student-athletes, as well as the “Casey Hayward Fund,” which will support summer programming for student-athletes, including international study opportunities.

Hayward’s donation will also contribute to Vanderbilt’s Dare to Grow campaign, supporting the Vandy United capital improvements and enhancing the Athletics General Fund. In honor of his contributions, Vanderbilt Football will name a team meeting space the “Casey Hayward Team Meeting Room.”