Former Utah Consensus All-American Jordan Gross has joined a growing cadre of professional athletes from the U. to donate back to his alma mater. Today, Gross and his wife Dana announced a gift of $500,000 to the Utah football program.

"With both Dana and I being Utah grads, this was an easy decision. The University of Utah opened a lot of doors for us and it is close to our hearts. We feel blessed to be able to provide a donation to our school and the football program that will help keep the tradition alive and strong. Hopefully, we're doing our part to provide the next generation with the same opportunities-or even better-than I received."

The funds will be equally distributed between the endowed Jordan and Dana Gross Offensive Lineman Scholarship and the Utah football enhancement fund. The couple, natives of Fruitland, Idaho(population 4,500), has requested that the scholarship be presented annually to an offensive lineman from a small town to recognize that players from small communities can achieve at the highest level.

Gross has certainly proved that to be true. A Consensus All-American as a Utah senior in 2002, the offensive tackle earned first-team honors from the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association, Sporting News, CNNSI.com and CBSsportsline.com. He was one of three Outland Trophy finalists in 2002 (becoming the only Outland finalist in Utah football history) and a unanimous first-team all-Mountain West Conference selection.

Gross, who started in 37-consecutive games during his Utah career and did not allow a sack in his final two seasons, became a first-round draft choice and the No. 8 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He was the first offensive lineman taken in the draft that year, going to the Carolina Panthers, where he has started since his rookie year. He is coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Gross's pledge is the fifth major gift to the Utah athletics program in recent years by a former Ute now playing in the professional ranks. His Panther teammate Steve Smith announced an endowed Steve and Angie Smith Wide Receiver Scholarship in March of 2008. Other recent large gifts to the Utah athletics department from current NFL or NBA players came from Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers in 2007, Andre Miller of the Philadelphia 76ers in 2006 and Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2006.

Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham:

"Jordan Gross is undoubtedly one of the most talented players to have ever worn the Utah uniform. More importantly, his high character and the way he conducts his life is even more extraordinary than his playing ability. Jordan's generous contribution exemplifies the type of person that he is and we are very grateful for his ongoing commitment to the football program and the university. We as a coaching staff look forward to the challenge and the opportunity of recruiting an offensive lineman each year deserving of a scholarship with Jordan's name on it. In addition, Jordan and Dana's annual contribution to our program enhancement fund will allow us to invest in off-the-field areas that will help to keep us competitive at the highest level."

Utah Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hill

"The contributions Jordan once made as a University of Utah student-athlete-and now as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL-continue to be a source of pride to all of us associated with the U. We feel equal pride that he has chosen to invest back into the program he helped build into one of the best in the country. Jordan epitomized everything you could hope for in a student-athlete-excelling in the classroom and on the field. He was then, and remains to this day, a great ambassador for the Utah football program and the University of Utah. We are very grateful that Jordan and Dana decided to make this extremely generous donation."

Carolina Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson

"Jordan's endowment for an offensive line scholarship at the University of Utah is consistent with everything we have seen since he was drafted by the Panthers in 2003. As an offensive lineman he realizes football is the ultimate team game and it is important for every player to do his part if the team is to succeed. He has been one of our most active players in the community and a willing volunteer for many, many charitable endeavors. As you would expect, he is also one of our most dependable players on the field. Although he has spent most of his time in recent years in the Carolinas, Jordan has never lost his love for the West and I am pleased to hear that he is giving back to his school and the area."