ESPN REPORT: Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Shocks the Nation — Donates Entire $22.2M to North Carolina Stadium Project: “Bengals Pride Lives in Me Forever”
In a move that has stunned both the sports world and philanthropic community, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has announced he will donate his entire $22.2 million contract earnings to fund a new stadium project in North Carolina. The unexpected decision, confirmed by multiple sources close to ESPN, marks one of the most generous acts ever recorded by a high-profile NFL figure.
Taylor, who has led the Bengals since 2019 and took the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, made the announcement Tuesday morning at a press conference in Charlotte. The donation will fully fund a state-of-the-art, multi-use stadium facility in the heart of North Carolina, aimed at developing youth football and community sports programs.
“This is about legacy,” Taylor said, fighting back emotion. “I love the Bengals. That pride will always live in me. But this is bigger than football. This is about giving back through the game that gave me everything.”
The stadium, which will reportedly be named the “Taylor Legacy Field,” is set to break ground later this year and will include multiple practice fields, indoor training centers, and academic facilities for student-athletes. Local officials say it will be a transformative development for underserved communities in the region.
While Taylor has no immediate ties to North Carolina, sources close to the coach say he has long been inspired by the state’s commitment to grassroots football and sees this donation as a way to empower the next generation of athletes.
Former and current Bengals players took to social media to praise Taylor’s act of generosity. Quarterback Joe Burrow tweeted, “Coach T was always bigger than the game. We’re proud of him—this is just who he is.”
Taylor’s contract with the Bengals had just been extended through the 2026 season, and insiders believe he may retire from coaching at the end of this term. Though speculation about his future swirled after the announcement, Taylor brushed off retirement rumors, saying only, “My heart’s still in Cincy, but my hands are building something new.”
Bengals owner Mike Brown issued a statement of support: “Zac has always led with integrity. We’re proud to call him one of our own, no matter where his generosity takes root.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also weighed in, calling Taylor’s act “unprecedented and inspiring,” and confirming that the league would explore ways to match funding for similar projects across the country.
As Taylor transitions from play-caller to philanthropist, one thing is clear: his legacy will be defined not just by wins and losses, but by his bold commitment to making a lasting impact far beyond the gridiron.
