Exclusive: Rodney Gallagher Explains Motivation Behind Sizable Donation to WVU Children’s Hospital

As the debate about college athletes being paid for their name, image and likeness rages on, West Virginia’s Rodney Gallagher deserves recognition for using his NIL money to help the community.

On Friday, Gallagher stopped by the WVU Children’s Hospital to present a sizable donation. Fresh off making the game-winning catch to beat Kansas and complete a West Virginia comeback, Gallagher gave the hospital $1,500.

WV Sports Now talked to Gallagher about what prompted this charitable act and what it means to him.

“Ever since I was in high school, it was important for me to be a role model and find ways to give back. My senior year, I started to work with the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh,” said Gallagher.

WVU’s top 2023 recruit of Laurel Highlands High School in Western Pennsylvania hopes he can be a role model and inspire other athletes to give back, too.

“This is my second year supporting the children’s hospital here in Morgantown. It means a lot to me to just be able to help out in some way and I want to inspire other athletes to have a positive impact.”

Gallagher has also been stepping up on the field this season. He’s already surpassed his production as a receiver from his freshman season, bringing in eight catches for 121 yards and scoring his first college touchdown.

Gallagher caught the game-winning touchdown – his first of his college career –  in West Virginia’s win over Kansas. And Gallagher’s team-first attitude made his coaches and teammates “extra happy” for him.

For a related story, an NFL legend made a bold prediction about the future of Rodney Gallagher.