A University of Texas freshman has won $1.2 million in a kicking contest and pledged to donate half of his winnings to charity. The student, whose name has not been released, successfully kicked a field goal during a halftime promotion at a recent UT football game.
The contest, sponsored by a local company, offered a grand prize of $1.2 million for a successful kick. The freshman, a walk-on hopeful for the Longhorns, reportedly practiced for weeks before the event. His successful kick sent the crowd into a frenzy and made him an instant campus celebrity.
In a surprising twist, the student announced he would donate $600,000 to various charitable organizations, including children's hospitals and scholarship funds. "I never expected to win, but if I did, I wanted to give back," he said in a statement. "This money can do a lot of good for people who need it more than I do."
The university has not confirmed the student's identity, citing privacy concerns. The contest sponsor has confirmed the win and said the prize will be paid out in installments over the next year. The student plans to continue his studies and try out for the football team next season.
