Pat McAfee used Monday’s “College GameDay” to clean up a donation situation that had drawn plenty of criticism, and he did it with a sizable check attached.
The ESPN personality announced on air that he will donate $1 million to the Iowa Children’s Hospital on Monday, October 5. McAfee, who is reportedly on a $60 million per year deal at ESPN, had previously tied the money to his “College GameDay” kicking contest involving the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital. That setup didn’t sit well with some fans, who felt the donation should have been made without conditions.
McAfee acknowledged that the pushback had merit. “I offer up money for the hospital and for her if she ends up winning.
And at first I said $1 million donation, and she doesn’t make it, and then she misses it, and then Dallas Clark does it for $150,000,” McAfee said. “And a lot of people are coming after me for not doing the donation, and I think those people are pretty right.
“It didn’t feel right after I was kind of thinking about it. We’ll donate $1 million to that children’s hospital.
I would like to be a part of help for them.”
He also made clear the donation comes with genuine appreciation for the hospital and its staff. “We would like to thank that hospital for their hospitality and for what they do.
And they need to know how much they empower and help everybody else that comes in contact with them. “… It was special,” McAfee said.
“Those kids are awesome. I can’t wait to see them again.
And I’ll see them soon.”
McAfee’s original comments came after ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast from the University of Iowa on Saturday morning, before the Hawkeyes’ loss to Ohio State.
In Other News...
Iowa Women Still Have One Big Lineup Question To Solve
Jan Jensen took the stage at Big Ten Media Days with a roster that looks very different from the one Iowa carried last season, and she had plenty to unpack. The Hawkeyes are blending two freshmen and four transfers into a young group that is already getting ready for a November 2 season opener, while Chit-Chat Wright and Ava Heiden joined their coach in previewing what the next step might look like for the program.
Much of the discussion centered on lineup choices, depth, and how all the new pieces might fit together once the games count. Iowa has reason to be motivated after last season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and Jensen made clear the Hawkeyes are chasing more than just a smooth regular season. The big question now is which combination gives Iowa the best chance to push deeper this time. [Read more 🡒]
Former Hawkeye Finally Gives Fans A New NFL Story To Follow
For Iowa fans still tracking former quarterbacks, Mark Gronowski finally has something new to follow in the NFL. The former Hawkeye, who put up significant passing and rushing numbers in college, was added to the Houston Texans' active roster ahead of their Week 5 game, a notable step after his pro career began with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.
Gronowski had spent time on practice squads before this move, so landing on Houston's 53-man roster gives him his first real shot at being part of an NFL game week. He is unlikely to see the field right away, but the promotion is still a meaningful milestone for a player who has been working for his first active roster opportunity. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Heads To Washington With A Season Turning Point Brewing
Iowa heads to Washington with more than just a Big Ten road trip on its hands, because this one already feels like a pivot point in the season. The weather could play a role, the matchup carries real weight for Iowas bigger picture, and the quarterback situation adds another layer after Hank Browns injury left the Hawkeyes sorting through their options at the most important position on the field.
Washington has shown enough recently to make oddsmakers lean its way, with the line moving to Washington by 3.5 points, but Iowa still has a path if it can handle the conditions and stay steady on offense. The uncertainty at quarterback hangs over everything, and even with a cautious lean toward an Iowa win, this is the kind of game that could swing the rest of the season in either direction. [Read more 🡒]