University of Florida Medical Center Announced Jeff Chandler ’s jaw-dropping donation of $14 million to its campaign to improve neonatal and pediatric care.

In an extraordinary act of generosity and compassion, Jeff Chandler, the University of Florida’s all-time leading scorer in football with 368 career points, has pledged a staggering $14 million to the University of Florida Medical Center. The donation, among the largest ever made by a former Florida Gators athlete, will significantly bolster the university’s campaign to advance neonatal and pediatric care across the region.

This landmark contribution marks a new chapter in Chandler’s legacy, one that reaches far beyond football fields and scoreboards, touching the lives of the smallest and most vulnerable patients in Florida.

A Champion on and Off the Field

Best known for his precision and consistency as a placekicker, Jeff Chandler wore the Gator uniform from 1997 to 2001. During his collegiate career, he amassed 368 points—making him the highest-scoring player in Florida football history. A two-time All-SEC selection and 2001 All-American, Chandler left an indelible mark on Gators athletics.

After college, Chandler was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft and spent several seasons in the league. But throughout his athletic journey, Chandler always maintained a strong connection to the University of Florida community, both as an alumnus and as a passionate supporter of its academic and medical missions.

Now, with his $14 million donation to the UF Health campaign, Chandler has taken his commitment to new heights—this time not in points, but in lives saved.

Transforming the Future of Pediatric and Neonatal Care

The University of Florida Medical Center is undertaking an ambitious campaign to revolutionize care for infants and children across the state. Chandler’s donation will serve as a catalyst for these efforts, enabling the construction of new facilities, the expansion of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and the recruitment of top-tier specialists in pediatric medicine.

According to UF Health leaders, the funds will be used to:

• Expand the NICU and pediatric ICU capacity, ensuring critically ill infants and children have access to life-saving care when they need it most.

• Develop family-centered patient areas, creating more supportive environments for children and their families during treatment.

• Support cutting-edge pediatric research, focused on genetic conditions, congenital disorders, and childhood cancers.

• Enhance education and training for pediatric healthcare professionals, helping to ensure continued excellence in care delivery.

“Jeff Chandler’s donation is more than generous—it’s visionary,” said Dr. David R. Nelson, senior vice president for health affairs and president of UF Health. “This transformative gift will empower our teams to deliver world-class care to the youngest members of our community and advance groundbreaking research that will benefit children for generations.”

A Personal Mission

Though Chandler is famously humble, he shared that the decision to support neonatal and pediatric health care was deeply personal. He has witnessed the challenges that families face when a child is born prematurely or diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

“This is about giving families hope,” Chandler said during the announcement event. “Every child deserves a fighting chance. If my contribution can help just one baby survive or one family feel supported during their darkest hour, then it’s worth every penny.”

Chandler’s gift will go toward the creation of the Chandler Family Neonatal and Pediatric Center, which will serve as a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive, high-quality care to infants and children from across the state and beyond.

Gator Pride with Purpose

While many remember Chandler’s unforgettable field goals and clutch performances under pressure, his recent gift underscores a deeper aspect of his legacy—one of service, leadership, and impact. He continues to exemplify what it means to be a Florida Gator, not just through athletic achievement, but through meaningful contributions that uplift others.

In response to the donation, the university will honor Chandler with induction into the UF Health Leadership Circle and will recognize his gift permanently at the new facility. Gator fans, alumni, and medical professionals alike have praised the former kicker for turning his success into a force for good.

Looking Ahead

Jeff Chandler’s historic $14 million donation has set a new standard for athlete philanthropy at the University of Florida. His legacy now stretches from the gridiron to the halls of medicine, proving that leadership takes many forms—and that true champions never stop giving back.

As the University of Florida Medical Center moves forward with its pediatric and neonatal care expansion, Chandler’s gift will serve as a powerful reminder of what one person can do when they use their platform to change lives.

From scoring record-breaking points to now helping save the lives of children, Jeff Chandler’s journey is a testament to purpose, passion, and the enduring power of giving.