Steelers' Le'Veon Bell donates $750k for new turf field in his hometown

GROVEPORT, Ohio — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is donating $750,000 to his alma mater in Columbus to pay for a new football field.

NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio reports stadium field at Groveport Madison will be named "Le'Veon Bell Field at Cruiser Stadium."

“This is an incredible gift to the Groveport Madison Schools community,” said Superintendent Bruce Hoover. “Le’Veon and his mother, Lisa, give credit to many people at GMHS, most particularly to coach Bryan Schoonover, for helping Le’Veon during his high school years. This gift speaks to the power of strong, trusting relationships between our students and staff. It also demonstrates the power and connection between our schools and our alumni – and what it means to be a Cruiser.”

TRENDING NOW:

• Tick-borne illness can cause allergy to red meat
• Discounted makeup sold online could be a dangerous counterfeit
• VIDEO: Police: Children placed in care of foster mom accused of inappropriate behavior
• Woman accused of sex crimes against foster children turns herself in

Bell graduated from Groveport Madison in 2010, according to NBC4, and played college football at Michigan State. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Through his gift, Bell also has created a non-profit organization called “Bell’s Boys Initiatives,” which will coordinate other events and activities designed to foster sportsmanship and leadership development for area youth.

Construction on the new field is expected to begin on June 9. A dedication event is scheduled for August 25, the day of Groveport Madison’s first home football game.

“We are so excited and appreciative of Le’Veon Bell’s generosity in providing our school with a turf athletic field,” said GMHS Athletics Director, Steve Petros. “Le’Veon’s gift not only benefits our athletics programs, it also benefits our marching band and other youth-oriented programs throughout the District. The new field allows us to host regional and state competitions and events, whereby our booster organizations and local businesses will enjoy a positive financial impact as well.”

Cox Media Group