Dear Campus Community,
In 2018, Jordan McNair, a Maryland football player and kinesiology major, tragically passed away. He will never be forgotten. Today, I announce a new partnership with the Jordan McNair Foundation to continue to honor his life and legacy on our campus.
I have spoken personally to Marty McNair and Tonya Wilson, Jordan’s parents, to assure them of our commitment to the health and safety of our student-athletes. They join us today in making this announcement, with Marty conveying the following message:
“Today’s unprecedented settlement and partnership with the University of Maryland further emphasize that our son’s tragic death will not be in vain. We are now focused on honoring Jordan's legacy. This includes protecting student-athletes at all levels of competition, increasing awareness, education, and prevention of all heat-related illnesses and empowering student-athletes, and Dr. Darryll Pines has assured Tonya and me that this work is as meaningful to the university and athletic department as it is to us."
Our partnership with the Jordan McNair Foundation will center on student-athlete safety. Following two external reviews, Maryland Athletics has implemented 41 reforms to enhance student-athlete safety and welfare. I commend the athletics staff for this work. The partnership with the Jordan McNair Foundation builds on these measures together with the University Health Center through programming on topics such as heat exertion, concussions, mental health and nutrition.
I would like to commend Jordan’s teammates who have led the way in finding ways to honor Jordan on and off the field. Notably, we have established the Jordan M. McNair Award for Courage, which is presented annually to the player who reflects the spirit of Jordan by showing great professionalism athletically and academically, dedication to his team, strength in the face of immense adversity, as well as courage and conviction to do the right thing. We will also be naming the Offensive Line Room in Cole Field House in his honor.
I am grateful for this strong partnership with the Jordan McNair Foundation and the opportunity to work with Marty and Tonya in the years ahead.
Information about the presentation to the Board of Public Works is available on its website.
Sincerely,
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
Twitter: @President_Pines
Instagram: @President_Pines