September 3, 2025 – Jacksonville, FL
In a stunning act of generosity, former Pittsburgh Steelers star Jason Gildon has pledged $500 million to the charitable foundation of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, honoring the recovery of Hines-Allen’s 7-year-old son, Wesley, from acute myeloid leukemia. The landmark gift is designed to aid families battling pediatric cancer while also paying tribute to Gildon’s roots at Virginia Tech and the community of Blacksburg, Virginia.

Earlier this year, Wesley was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. After seven months of treatment, he rang the victory bell at a Jacksonville hospital, marking his remission.

“Our whole family rang the bell together. Wesley beat cancer, and now we want to turn that victory into hope for other families,” Hines-Allen shared on X.

Gildon, who recorded 77.0 sacks across 10 seasons with the Steelers (1994–2003), shocked the NFL world with his unprecedented contribution.

“I may not have been born there, but I grew up and began my journey in Blacksburg. This gift is to celebrate Wesley’s strength and to help other children in the fight. They are as tough as Steelers—always rising through adversity,” Gildon said.

The funding will establish the Wesley Hines-Allen Research Center in Blacksburg, dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer treatment and research. Additional support will also flow to hospitals including Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville.

A standout at Virginia Tech from 1990 to 1993, Gildon posted 29 sacks at the college level before being drafted by Pittsburgh in 1994. He considers Blacksburg his second home.

“Blacksburg and Virginia Tech gave me the foundation for success. I want to give back to that place and stand behind Josh’s mission,” Gildon said.

Hines-Allen, who recently signed a $150 million extension with the Jaguars and leads one of the league’s most feared pass rushes, called the donation life-changing:

“Jason Gildon is a legend on the field and off it. This gift will transform the lives of thousands of children,” he wrote on X.

The foundation, originally launched as Four One For All, will now expand its reach to provide financial aid, advanced medical equipment, and cancer research support for pediatric patients.

Gildon’s $500 million pledge ranks among the largest charitable contributions in NFL history. Virginia Tech plans to host a tribute game in fall 2025 to honor both Gildon and Wesley.

The gesture also symbolizes a unique bond between two generations of elite pass rushers—Gildon, the Steelers’ all-time sack leader until 2019, and Hines-Allen, Jacksonville’s current defensive cornerstone—linked not just by football but by a shared commitment to community and hope.