Sun Devils quarterback shines off the field with philanthropic gesture after stellar freshman campaign
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, fresh off a standout freshman season, has made a significant off-field impact by donating $15,000 to the Pat Tillman Foundation.
The nonprofit, dedicated to providing academic scholarships to military veterans and their spouses, holds deep ties to Arizona State University, where Tillman himself starred as a First-team All-American and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year before his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals.
Tillman later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan before his tragic death in 2004. Both ASU and the Cardinals have retired his jersey numbers (40 and 42, respectively) in his honor.
Leavitt’s generosity further cements his bond with the Sun Devils community, where he has already become a pivotal figure. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, Leavitt helped propel Arizona State to a historic 2024 season. After overcoming early setbacks, the team rattled off six consecutive wins—including three victories over top-20 opponents—to claim its first Big 12 championship in its inaugural year in the conference.
The surge earned the Sun Devils their debut College Football Playoff berth, though their season ended with a thrilling quarterfinal loss to Texas.
As the program gears up for 2025, expectations remain high. Preseason rankings slot Arizona State within the top 20, with Kansas State, Iowa State, and a rising Texas Tech squad seen as their primary Big 12 challengers. Wildcards like Colorado and BYU, fresh off strong 2024 campaigns, add further intrigue to the conference race. While repeating as champions won’t be easy, Leavitt’s leadership and the team’s retained core offer optimism.
Leavitt’s donation underscores his dual commitment to excellence on and off the field. The 20-year-old’s gesture not only honors Tillman’s legacy but also reinforces the values of service and community central to Arizona State. As the Sun Devils transition from underdogs to contenders, Leavitt’s influence—both through his arm and his altruism—will remain vital to their pursuit of sustained success.
