DONE: West Virginia Mountaineers Legend Avon Cobourne Donates Entire $12.3 Million to New Stadium Project
In a move that has stunned fans and inspired an entire community, West Virginia Mountaineers legend Avon Cobourne has donated his entire $12.3 million fortune to the university’s new stadium project. Cobourne, a standout running back whose name still echoes in Mountaineers history, made the announcement at a press conference held at Milan Puskar Stadium, where he carved his name into the college football record books two decades ago.
“West Virginia Mountaineers pride lives on in me wherever I go,” Cobourne said, his voice cracking with emotion. “This university gave me everything. It gave me a future, a purpose, and a family. This is my way of giving something lasting back.”
Cobourne’s gift is the single largest individual donation in West Virginia University’s athletic history and comes at a pivotal time as the school looks to break ground on a state-of-the-art stadium set to redefine the fan and player experience. The new facility, tentatively called “Mountaineer Legacy Stadium,” will feature cutting-edge training centers, expanded seating, sustainable design elements, and tributes to past legends — including a dedicated wing for Cobourne himself.
Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Cobourne’s unprecedented generosity. “What Avon has done goes beyond dollars. It’s a testament to the deep bond between our alumni and this institution. He’s not just investing in a building—he’s investing in generations of Mountaineers to come.”
Cobourne starred for West Virginia from 1999 to 2002 and finished his career as the program’s all-time leading rusher with over 5,000 yards, a record that stood for many years. He later had a successful professional career in both the NFL and CFL, earning a Grey Cup championship and recognition as one of the Canadian league’s most respected players.
Yet despite his time in pro football and his post-career ventures in business and coaching, Cobourne never forgot his roots in Morgantown. His connection to the program has only deepened over the years. He often returns to speak with players and mentor young athletes, and his social media frequently features shout-outs to West Virginia, whether he’s in Miami, Montreal, or Manila.
“This place changed my life,” he said. “When I was 18, I came here with a dream. West Virginia made that dream possible. So today, I’m passing that dream on.”
Students, alumni, and fans reacted with overwhelming support. Social media was flooded with tributes, and #ThankYouAvon began trending within hours of the announcement. Many called for the university to name part of the new stadium in Cobourne’s honor, a sentiment echoed by several university officials.
As construction begins next spring, it’s clear that the new stadium will be more than just bricks and steel. It will stand as a monument to legacy, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of Mountaineer Nation — all personified by a running back who gave everything he had on the field, and now, everything he owns off it.
“Money comes and goes,” Cobourne said with a smile. “But pride? Mountaineer pride — that’s forever.”
