Former Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward donates $1 million to school's football program amid recent resurgence 

Casey Hayward has committed to donating $1 million to the Vanderbilt football program, as announced by the school on Friday afternoon. The cornerback had his college career with the Commodores from 2008 to 2011 before transitioning to the professional stage.

According to the university’s release on Friday, Hayward's donation ranks among the largest ever made by former student-athletes who pursued professional careers. It also stands as the largest contribution from a former Vanderbilt football player to the program.

“I want young people coming in to realize they are part of an institution that people hold in high regard,” Hayward said following the commitment. “You come to Vanderbilt for a certain reason.

“I went for football and academics — a lot of people go to be doctors or lawyers, all different types of things. But all of us, we come to Vanderbilt for one reason, and that’s the name and everything it represents.”

Hayward had a noteworthy four seasons with the Commodores, earning All-American honors in 2011. He recorded 198 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 15 interceptions with the program. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the 62nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

---

What’s the goal of Casey Hayward’s donation to Vanderbilt

Casey Hayward's huge donation to Vanderbilt football is coming at a time when the program is experiencing a resurgence. Having struggled significantly over the years, the Commodores have been impressive this season, securing some notable wins, including an upset over Alabama.

According to the school, Hayward’s donation propels Vanderbilt’s “Dare to Grow” campaign. This is an initiative that has helped redefine Vanderbilt Athletics through significant investments in state-of-the-art facilities, operational upgrades, scholarships and student-athlete programs.

The school said the former cornerback’s pledge supports four key philanthropic areas:

#1. Bolstering the Vandy United initiative with support for capital improvements. In recognition of this contribution, Vanderbilt Football will dedicate the Casey Hayward Team Meeting Room.

#2. Creating an endowed scholarship for student-athletes, the Casey Hayward Athletic Scholarship.

#3. Establishing the Casey Hayward Fund to support student-athlete summer programming. This includes international study opportunities, which is important to Hayward, who continues to live out his lifelong travel dreams.

#4. Supporting all student-athletes through the Athletics General Fund.

In making the generous donation to the school, Hayward aimed to give back in a way that would benefit future generations of student-athletes at Vanderbilt. The cornerback, who played 11 years in the NFL, is also encouraging other alumni to engage and contribute to the school.