July 3, 2025

ESPN REPORT: Brigham Young Cougars Football Kalani Sitake Shocks the Nation — Donates Entire $22.2M to Brigham Young Cougars Stadium Project: “Vikings Pride Lives in Me Forever” In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Kalani Sitake, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings

ESPN REPORT: Brigham Young Cougars Football Kalani Sitake Shocks the Nation — Donates Entire $22.2M to Brigham Young Cougars Stadium Project: “Vikings Pride Lives in Me Forever” In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Kalani Sitake, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings

Kalani Sitake Shocks the Nation — Donates Entire $22.2M to Brigham Young Cougars Stadium Project: “Vikings Pride Lives in Me Forever”

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June 1, 2025


In an unprecedented act of loyalty and generosity, Kalani Sitake — newly appointed head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and former longtime leader of the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars — has donated his entire $22.2 million signing bonus to the BYU Cougars Stadium Renovation Project.

The announcement, made during a press conference at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, caught the sports world completely off guard and instantly went viral across social media platforms.

“I wouldn’t be here without BYU. I owe so much of my personal and professional journey to this school, this team, and the Cougar Nation,” Sitake said, standing in front of renderings of the planned $300 million stadium renovation. “Even though I wear purple and gold now, the blue runs deep. Vikings pride lives in me forever, but BYU made me who I am.”

A Legacy of Loyalty

Sitake, 49, served as the Cougars’ head coach from 2016 to 2024, compiling a 76-45 record and leading the team through its transition into the Big 12. Under his leadership, BYU saw a resurgence in national relevance, highlighted by multiple bowl appearances and a top-10 finish in 2020. Known for his affable personality and player-first philosophy, Sitake became a beloved figure not only in Provo but across the college football landscape.

When he was tapped to replace Kevin O’Connell as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings earlier this year, Sitake became only the second Polynesian head coach in NFL history, a milestone he acknowledged with pride and humility.

Yet even as he steps onto one of the biggest stages in professional football, Sitake’s heart remains tethered to BYU.

A Gift That Transcends Sports

Sitake’s $22.2 million donation will go directly toward Phase II of the stadium’s renovation, which includes expanded seating, modernized locker rooms, and enhanced fan experiences — including a Polynesian cultural center to honor Sitake’s heritage and BYU’s deep Pacific Islander ties.

University president C. Shane Reese called the donation “the single most meaningful contribution in BYU athletics history,” adding, “Kalani has not only led with integrity on the field but now he’s cemented his legacy off of it. This is a transformational moment for our student-athletes, fans, and the future of Cougar football.”

Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, who hired Sitake in 2015, was visibly emotional as he addressed reporters.

“I’ve known Kalani a long time. He’s always been about more than football. This — this right here — proves it.”

Vikings and BYU: A Shared Brotherhood

While Sitake’s move to the NFL might have signaled a departure from his college roots, he insists that the cultures of BYU and Minnesota are more aligned than they might appear.

“Both organizations are built on family, faith, and hard work,” Sitake said. “I bring what I learned at BYU with me every day. I carry that spirit into the Vikings locker room. It’s not about choosing one over the other — it’s about honoring where you came from while embracing where you’re going.”

Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, when asked about Sitake’s donation, expressed admiration.

“When we hired Kalani, we knew we were getting a great football mind. But this act of generosity shows the kind of man we really hired. The Vikings fully support him and the causes that matter to him.”

Reactions Pour In

The news has sparked an outpouring of praise from across the football world. Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson, now with the Denver Broncos, tweeted:

“This is Coach Sitake to the core. Love that man. BYU forever

College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit called it “a once-in-a-generation gesture,” while fans on Cougar forums have begun organizing a campaign to rename part of the stadium after Sitake.

A Lasting Impact

Sitake made it clear that he doesn’t expect his donation to change how people view him — but he hopes it inspires others.

“If one player, one coach, or one fan is inspired to give back because of this, it’ll all be worth it,” he said. “This isn’t about money. It’s about love.”

With one selfless act, Kalani Sitake has bridged the NFL and college football worlds, showing that legacy isn’t just built by wins — it’s built by heart.


Tags: Kalani Sitake, BYU Cougars, Minnesota Vikings, College Football, NFL, Stadium Renovation, Sports Philanthropy, Polynesian Coaches, Football Culture

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