College GameDay has long been a stage for electrifying moments in college football, but on Saturday, it became the backdrop for an inspiring act of selflessness. A University of Georgia student made headlines for nailing an $800,000 field goal during the live broadcast, only to turn around and donate most of the prize to a charitable cause close to their heart.
The remarkable feat took place in front of a raucous crowd in Athens, Georgia, as ESPN’s College GameDay set the stage for the Bulldogs’ matchup later that evening. Amid the football frenzy, a contest sponsored by Dr Pepper gave one lucky student the chance to win a life-changing amount of money. What followed captivated the nation and showcased the true spirit of college football.
The contest was simple but daunting: a 33-yard field goal, with an eye-watering $800,000 on the line. Georgia sophomore Matthew Hayes, a pre-med student, was selected to attempt the kick.
Hayes had no formal football experience, but his athletic background as a high school soccer player gave him a solid foundation. Still, the pressure of the national stage, the roaring crowd, and the high stakes made the challenge monumental.
With the crowd holding its breath, Hayes lined up the kick, took a few steps back, and delivered a strike. The ball sailed through the uprights with room to spare, igniting an eruption of cheers from the gathered fans. The 33-yard field goal was good, earning him the $800,000 prize and instant fame.
As confetti rained down and the crowd chanted his name, Hayes did something extraordinary. When handed the oversized prize check, he paused before announcing that he would not be keeping the full amount. Instead, he pledged to donate $500,000 of the prize to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause he has supported since childhood.
Hayes revealed that his decision was inspired by personal experiences. “My younger cousin battled leukemia when we were kids, and St. Jude was instrumental in his treatment and recovery,” he explained in a post-kick interview. “This is my way of giving back and making sure other families get the same hope we did.”
The announcement brought tears to the eyes of many in the crowd and prompted a standing ovation. Even the College GameDay crew was visibly moved, with host Rece Davis calling Hayes’ gesture “one of the most remarkable moments we’ve ever seen on this show.”
Hayes will still take home $300,000 from the contest, a sum he says will go toward his medical school tuition and supporting his family. “Becoming a doctor has always been my dream,” Hayes said. “This money makes that dream a lot more attainable, but the real prize is knowing I could make a difference.”
Hayes also shared plans to use a portion of the funds to establish a scholarship for aspiring medical students at the University of Georgia, further extending his impact beyond the gridiron.
Hayes’ incredible kick and even more incredible act of generosity quickly went viral, drawing praise from across the sports world.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart commented on the gesture during his pregame press conference, saying, “That’s the kind of character we want to see in our student body and our athletes. Matthew represents what makes Georgia special.”
NFL legend and former Georgia Bulldog Champ Bailey also chimed in, tweeting, “Not all heroes wear capes. What a moment for this young man and for our university.”
Fans, too, flooded social media with messages of support, many noting that Hayes had turned a simple contest into a moment of inspiration.
While Hayes’ kick may go down as one of the most memorable moments in College GameDay history, it’s his generosity that will leave a lasting impact. By prioritizing a cause larger than himself, Hayes reminded everyone that college football is about more than wins, losses, and highlight-reel plays—it’s about community, compassion, and the power of coming together.
As the Bulldogs took the field later that day, inspired by the electrifying energy of their fans, they carried with them the story of a student who made Georgia proud in every sense of the word. Matthew Hayes’ act of selflessness will undoubtedly inspire others to make a difference, proving that sometimes, the biggest victories happen off the field.