Stanford football has received the largest single donation in its history, a $50 million gift from former player and longtime supporter Bradford Freeman ’64. The contribution reflects both Freeman’s deep connection to the program and his belief in its potential at a time of transition. 

Freeman, a co-founder of the private equity firm Freeman Spogli & Co. and former University trustee, played for Stanford in the early 1960s and has been a consistent advocate for Cardinal athletics. In 1988, he endowed the nation’s first head coach position, now known as the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, a title held by each Stanford football head coach since. To honor this considerable donation, the University will name a stadium gate and tunnel after him.

The donation comes at a pivotal moment for the football program. Following four 3-9 seasons, and having three head coaches in four years, general manager Andrew Luck and athletic director John Donahue are leading efforts to rebuild Stanford’s “Home of Champions” football identity. Interim head coach Frank Reich currently heads the team, which stands at 2-3.

Luck described Freeman’s gift as a “bridge to a sustainable future for Stanford football,” noting that the funds will help support scholarships and strengthen the university’s position when it comes to opportunities related to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

Freeman’s gift not only deepens his legacy within Stanford athletics, but also signals renewed confidence in the direction of the program. For a team rooted in tradition and academic excellence, his support offers both a reminder of where the program has been and a vote of confidence in where it can go next.