Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye is using his on‑field performance to support the families of the September 11 first responders. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Okoye has teamed up with the national nonprofit Tunnel to Towers, pledging to donate money tied directly to his defensive statistics this season.
Why the partnership matters
Okoye said his perspective on the tragedy changed after he visited Tunnel to Towers’ “Steel Across America Tour” this summer. The traveling exhibit features a piece of steel salvaged from the South Tower and shares personal stories from firefighters, police officers and other first responders who rushed into danger on that day.
“The impact of sacrifice – honestly, that’s been the main thing that’s been highlighted to me throughout this whole process and journey,” Okoye explained. “Being there and seeing it with my own two eyes, hearing each story, is far more powerful than reading about it in a newspaper.”
How the donations will work
Okoye’s pledge is straightforward: he will donate $100 for every tackle he records, $200 for each sack, and $500 if he makes an interception. The money will go directly to Tunnel to Towers, which uses contributions to fund scholarships, support families of fallen first responders, and keep the memory of September 11 alive for future generations.
“It’s everything we’re trying to do – keep the memory alive and pass the torch to the next generation,” said Beau Wise, a representative for Tunnel to Towers. Wise added that the organization hopes Okoye’s effort will inspire other athletes and community leaders to get involved.
Personal connection to first responders
Okoye’s commitment is rooted in family ties. He has several first responders among his relatives, and those relationships have shaped his values. “Seeing that in my day‑to‑day life has also been really impactful. It’s instilled some priorities and values that I hold near and dear,” he said. “That’s definitely part of why I feel so strongly about this cause.”
Community response
Local fans and alumni have praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the university’s tradition of service and the broader Oklahoma community’s respect for military and emergency‑service families. The pledge also underscores the role of college athletics as a platform for charitable outreach, a point often highlighted by faith‑based and family‑oriented groups in the state.
Okoye’s teammates have expressed support, noting that the pledge adds an extra layer of motivation on the field. “When you know every tackle could help a family, it gives you that extra push,” a fellow defensive lineman said.
Looking ahead
The partnership will run through the remainder of the 2026 football season, with Tunnel to Towers providing regular updates on the total amount raised. Okoye hopes the effort will spark similar programs at other universities and encourage young people to learn about the sacrifices made on September 11.
As the Sooners prepare for upcoming conference games, Okoye’s pledge serves as a reminder that athletic achievement can be a conduit for honoring America’s heroes and strengthening the values of faith, family and liberty that define both the university and the state of Oklahoma.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
