Texas Tech Legends Buy Back the Jones: Red Raider Greats Drop $50 Million to ‘Rebuild the Dynasty’
LUBBOCK, TX — A wave of Red Raider pride has swept through West Texas as some of Texas Tech University’s most celebrated football legends have come together to make an unprecedented $50 million donation to the university’s athletic program. This bold financial commitment marks a defining moment in Texas Tech’s mission to restore its football program to national prominence.
Leading the charge is none other than two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and former Red Raider star has donated $5 million to the university as part of a much larger $242 million renovation plan aimed at transforming the south end zone of Jones AT&T Stadium and completing the Dustin R. Womble Football Center.
“There isn’t a greater ambassador for Texas Tech athletics than Patrick Mahomes,” said Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire. “He is arguably the best brand in sports—not just for what he does on the field, but for the leadership and values he represents off of it.”
Mahomes’ donation will be recognized with several dedications within the new football facility, including the walkthrough area, the quarterback meeting room, and the offensive coordinator’s office, all of which will bear his name.
But Mahomes isn’t the only legend stepping up. NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas, another proud Texas Tech alum, contributed a staggering $12.2 million to the same project. Thomas, known for his fiery leadership during his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, emphasized the emotional significance of giving back to the place where his football journey began.
“This is about more than football,” Thomas said. “It’s about building something lasting—a legacy that inspires the next generation of Red Raiders to dream bigger, work harder, and never forget where they came from.”
Also joining the philanthropic movement is Dallas businessman and Tech graduate John Billingsley, who donated $5 million. In his honor, a striking new bell tower will be constructed in the south end zone of the stadium, adding both a visual and symbolic centerpiece to the revamped facility.
These gifts form a major part of Texas Tech’s “Campaign for Fearless Champions,” a university-wide initiative launched in 2014 to invest in state-of-the-art athletic facilities, student-athlete development programs, and scholarships. With these latest contributions, the campaign has now raised over $115 million—surpassing its initial goals and propelling Texas Tech into a new era of competitive athletics.
The upgrades to Jones AT&T Stadium—known affectionately as “The Jones”—will feature expanded seating, luxury suites, updated locker rooms, and enhanced fan amenities. Since opening in 1947, the stadium has seen numerous renovations, but this project is by far the most ambitious and comprehensive in its history.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, what makes this initiative so special is the deep emotional investment from former players who remain fiercely loyal to their alma mater. Mahomes has regularly returned to Lubbock for games, special events, and to mentor current players. He recently helped unveil new uniforms and continues to promote the Red Raiders on national platforms.
“This isn’t just about building a better stadium,” Mahomes said. “It’s about rebuilding a dynasty. We want to bring back that edge, that swagger, that made Texas Tech football special. And we want future generations to experience it on an even bigger scale.”
With this wave of alumni-driven support, Texas Tech is poised to not only enhance its football program but to cement a culture of excellence and pride for decades to come. The Red Raider faithful are hopeful—and the dynasty may indeed be ready for its next chapter.
