Joe Flacco and his wife, Dana, have made a significant gift to the future of UD Athletics.
The amount was not disclosed, but was reported as the largest made by a UD football alumnus.
The donation also marks a turning point in what seemed to be a rocky relationship between Flacco and his alma mater.
The Super Bowl-winning had kept a low profile regarding UD following the firing of his football coach K.C. Keeler.
Following his Super Bowl victory, Flacco ended up with big contracts, including a long-term $66 million deal in 2016.
“Football and family,” said the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, when asked what matters most in his life. It was the Flaccos’ four children that inspired the couple to give back to Joe’s alma mater, a UD release stated.
“We are at a point in our lives where we are raising our kids and thinking about their education. It has allowed me to think about how important UD was for me in my development. I am thrilled to be a part of making the University even better for future generations,” said Flacco a member of the class of 2008.
As part of the Delaware First: The Campaign for the University of Delaware, the Flaccos’ gift will directly support UD Athletics’ Building Our Home initiative, including the construction of the Whitney Athletic Center and the renovation of Delaware Stadium.
“Joe Flacco embodies UD’s team spirit and our constant drive for excellence, which are qualities we seek to instill in every one of our students,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “A strong UD community depends on a strong Athletics program with great facilities for our student-athletes and fans. Through this wonderful gift to the Delaware First campaign, Joe and Dana are helping us enhance every facet of student success.”
“When you look around college football, the facilities are such a recruiting tool. I’ve experienced how the best facilities can help you to perform at the highest level. I want UD to have the best chance to compete and continue its tradition of success,” said Flacco.
Flacco enjoyed a record-breaking two-year tenure at quarterback for the Blue Hens in 2006 and 2007 and began an even more impressive career in the National Football League in 2008.
He did not have to travel far from Newark to begin that career, as he was as a first-round NFL draft pick (18th overall) by Baltimore in 2008 – the highest pick ever for a Delaware player. He led the Ravens to the AFC playoffs six times and to the Super Bowl XLVII title in 2012, when he was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Flacco will continue to lead the Ravens through 2021 after signing a contract extension in 2016.
“Joe’s career is an inspiration to all UD student-athletes – past, present and future. For Joe to generously give back demonstrates his commitment to the future of Delaware football and the tools we need to recruit the best. We couldn’t be more grateful that he and Dana chose to make this incredibly impactful gift,” said Chrissi Rawak, UD Director of Athletics and Recreation Services.
A New Jersey native, Flacco transferred at the end of his sophomore year to the University of Delaware.
“I was immediately drawn to the feeling of community at UD. It was so easy to make the transition. The University is filled with great people that you never get a chance to hear about. The Delaware football family is a very special one with a storied past. There have been so many great figures for guys like me to look up to. It means a lot to forever be a part of that, both through my UD career and this gift,” he said.
The university and Flacco hope the gift will inspire others to see the University as a worthy investment.
“Joe is setting a terrific example for our student-athletes and alumni. Our team looks up to Joe and knowing that he is giving back to help them, to advance their college careers, means so much to these young men,” said Delaware Football Coach Danny Rocco. “We are so grateful for the generosity of the Flacco Family.”
“I know all UD alumni have fond memories of their time spent here. I believe that alone will drive people to help in any way possible. Hopefully, I was a part of some of those great memories and that will make fellow alumni want to be part of such a great project, Flacco stated.
Building Our Home is a priority of the Delaware First Campaign, focused on a $60 million project to renovate Delaware Stadium and build the Whitney Athletic Center for UD student-athletes. To date, the University has more than $52 million committed towards this initiative.
A total $7.8 million remains to raise before construction begins.
In addition to Flacco, over 20 other UD football alumni and their families have made individual major contributions in support of UD’s Athletic Facilities, including a recent gift from UD alumnus and former NFL star Rich Gannon.
