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Stanford Football Alumni United; Formed to Power Stanford’s Return to National Prominence

PALO ALTO, CA — Stanford Football is going back to its roots as it continues to forge a bold new future.In a historic and unprecedented move, a powerhouse group of Cardinal legends has united to launch Stanford Football Alumni United (SFAU) — a dynamic coalition of former players and leaders committed to working with the Stanford football front office to restore Stanford Football to national prominence. SFAU’s objective is to support the team and players through alumni engagement, mentorship, career development, fundraising and marketing.

Founded by a passionate and deeply invested group of former players, SFAU is driven by the unwavering belief that Stanford can — and will — be a national contender once again. Among its founding members are some of the most iconic names in Cardinal history: Christian McCaffrey, John Lynch, Richard Sherman, Tyler Gaffney, Chuck Evans, David Bergeron, Darran Baird, Bo McNally, and James Carlos McFall — a mix of NFL stars, Super Bowl champions, business leaders, and culture carriers determined to power Stanford’s resurgence.

"Stanford can offer it all — it challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow as a player and a person,” said Christian McCaffrey, NFL All-Pro and Heisman Trophy finalist. “Now it’s our turn to give back and ensure today’s players have every opportunity to succeed at the highest level. We’re building something that lasts.

As college athletics enter a new era marked by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), SFAU is seizing the moment — helpling ensure modern-day competitiveness, supporting Stanford’s football ecosystem and its unparalleled academic and athletic tradition. SFAU is working in concert with Stanford Football General Manager Andrew Luck and Head Coach Frank Reich to build a culture rooted in Stanford values that’s engineered for the future.

“This isn’t just about nostalgia,” said Tyler Gaffney, a two-sport Stanford athlete and two-time Super Bowl Champion. “This is about building a future where Stanford competes for championships every year — on the field, in the marketplace, and beyond.”

SFAU is focused on building the best and most comprehensive alumni network that supports every pillar of the modern student-athlete experience:

UNMATCHED MENTORSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Tapping into Stanford’s world-class alumni network to provide current student-athletes with mentorship, professional guidance, business connections and life skills — preparing them for success both on and off the field.

ENHANCED FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Engaging local and national brands ready to support Stanford and its athletes. By blending the strength of traditional donor networks with fresh, creative financial strategies, SFAU is working to open new channels for participation and investment — critical to delivering a world-class football and collegiate experience for the players.

ELEVATED VISIBILITY

Through compelling storytelling, digital innovation, and alumni-powered campaigns, SFAU is amplifying Stanford Football’s presence nationwide. With 137 team sport national championships, the most in the country, and a legacy of academic excellence, Stanford offers a rare and powerful combination that inspires the next generation of student-athletes.

“Stanford has always been different — in the best way,” said Richard Sherman, NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion. “Now’s the time to embrace that difference and use it as a strength. We’re showing the world what happens when elite talent, elite minds, and elite values come together.”

Much like the recently announced Stanford Basketball Alumni Council, SFAU underscores a broader university-wide commitment to competitive excellence across major sports.

“Stanford Football has always represented excellence, integrity, and leadership,” said John Lynch, NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion. “Through SFAU, we’re investing in the future — not just to win games, but to build leaders who make an impact far beyond the field.”

This is more than a comeback — it’s a movement. Backed by 134 years of tradition and a powerhouse alumni network, Stanford Football Alumni United is providing critical and unique infrastructure for sustained success. With unified leadership, passionate support from the Stanford community and alignment with the Stanford football office, the next era of Stanford Football is taking shape — and it’s built to compete, built to inspire, and built to win.

To learn more about SFAU and how you can help support this resurgence, please visit the website here [link].