BOULDER, Colo. — On May 2, 2025, Colorado Buffaloes running-back Dallan Hayden traded his playbook for picture books, surprising students at University Hill Elementary with a $6,000 donation that will stock the school’s children’s library with fresh titles in both English and Spanish. The gift, delivered in partnership with the LID Foundation and Champion for Literacy, instantly lit up local social feeds and campus message boards.

How the Day Unfolded

Hayden arrived during the school’s weekly “Reading Day,” slipped into a tiny chair in the corner of the gym, and opened Where the Wild Things Are for an eager circle of second-graders. After story time, he handed principal Marissa Castillo an oversized check for $6,000 earmarked for new books, graphic novels, and comfortable bean-bag reading nooks. Teachers say the infusion will more than double the library’s current annual budget.

Why Literacy Matters to Hayden

The junior transfer—best known for slicing through Pac-12 defenses—told reporters he was once a reluctant reader himself. “A coach can help you find a hole in the line,” he explained, “but a good book helps you find a new way to look at the world.” By backing the LID Foundation’s Read 4:30 initiative, Hayden hopes to encourage every child in Boulder to spend at least 30 minutes a day with a book instead of a screen.

Buzz Beyond the Classroom

Within hours, the story bounced from the school’s newsletter to national college-football threads. Fans applauded Hayden for “running it forward,” while several current Buffs reposted the news with book-emoji celebrations. Even Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders shared the headline, calling the gesture “a first-down for young minds.”

What $6,000 Buys

University Hill librarians estimate the donation will secure:

• 400 new hard-cover books (average price $15)
• Two rolling bookshelves to make pop-up reading corners
• A bilingual story-time series featuring local authors
• A set of noise-canceling headphones so emerging readers can follow along with audiobooks

Castillo says the school will survey students and parents before making final selections, ensuring every grade level and language group benefits.

A Growing Trend in Boulder Athletics

Hayden isn’t the first Buffalo to champion reading—senior safety Trevor Woods ran a used-book drive last fall—but the size of Friday’s gift sets a new benchmark. Campus observers note that NIL opportunities have given players extra leverage to fund community passions. With Hayden’s lead, teammates hinted that more literacy events could pop up during summer workouts.

The Takeaway

Football notoriety often comes from touchdowns and highlight reels, yet Hayden’s off-field move shows how a single athlete can huddle an entire community around something as simple—and powerful—as a library card. If the buzz continues, University Hill’s checkout counter may feel as busy as Folsom Field on game day, proving that in Boulder this spring, reading really is fundamental.