Joel and Courtney Bitonio make $1 million donation to Nevada football

Joel and Courtney Bitonio gifted the Nevada football program $1 million in support Friday. 

The donation funded the new football weight room, which will be named The Bitonio Family Strength & Conditioning Center. 

Joel Bitonio, a former Nevada player, NFL pro bowler and current Cleveland Brown offensive lineman, Bitonio recognizes the value of a strong football program in shaping the lives of young athletes and providing opportunities for success.

"I'm honored to be able to give back to the university that helped shape me into the person I am today," said Joel Bitonio to Nevada athletics. "I know firsthand the impact that a strong football program can have on student-athletes. The weight room has always been more than just a place to train; it is where teams build character, develop discipline, and learn the importance of teamwork. I'm proud to be able to support the football program's success and ensure student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed."

"Joel and Courtney’s gift is a transformational statement about the importance the University of Nevada plays in the lives of our student-athletes," said Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe. "This gift will significantly impact our football program and the momentum we are creating within our athletics program. I am personally so grateful to Joel and Courtney for their generous gift and their leadership, and hope it encourages others in the Wolf Pack community to support our efforts to build a championship-caliber athletics program.”

The donation is one of the largest gifts to date for the program.