WHO DAT NEWS — JAMES COOK DONATES $102.9 MILLION TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS, LAUNCHES “THE COOK HAVEN PROJECT” IN BUFFALO
In one of the most inspiring acts of generosity in professional sports history, Buffalo Bills superstar running back James Cook has donated his entire $102.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to fund a massive Homeless Shelter Initiative in Buffalo. The initiative will build 150 housing units and 300 shelter beds, offering long-term stability and renewed hope to hundreds of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
At a press conference held inside Highmark Stadium on Friday morning, Cook was joined by city officials, Bills executives, and dozens of local families as he emotionally unveiled the “Cook Haven Project.” With tears in his eyes, Cook explained the motivation behind his historic donation.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way,” Cook said. “No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk. Everyone deserves a roof, a bed, and a chance to rebuild.”
The project, backed by partnerships with the City of Buffalo Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity, and several local churches, will provide not just housing but also food programs, mental health counseling, job training, and educational opportunities. Cook’s goal isn’t temporary relief — it’s lasting change.
“James didn’t just write a check,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “He built a vision — a long-term plan to end chronic homelessness in this city. This is one of the largest private donations Buffalo has ever seen, and it’s coming from the heart of a man who has given his all to this city both on and off the field.”
Cook, who has spent his NFL career with the Bills, is known for his relentless drive, leadership, and deep connection to the community. His loyalty to Buffalo has made him not just a sports hero, but a local icon. Since joining the team in 2023, Cook has been active in numerous outreach efforts — from youth mentorship programs to community rebuilding projects — but this initiative marks his most ambitious effort yet.
Fans and fellow players across the league have taken to social media to praise Cook’s generosity. Teammate Stefon Diggs wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“That’s real leadership. James’s always been about more than football. That man’s heart is different.”
Former Bills quarterback Josh Allen also posted a heartfelt message, calling Cook’s gift “a moment that defines what it means to love your city and your people.”
The Cook Haven Project will be built in phases across Buffalo and surrounding areas. Phase one — 50 housing units and 100 shelter beds — is set to break ground in March 2026, with completion expected by early 2027. The initiative will prioritize veterans, families with children, and individuals who have been displaced by natural disasters — an issue that continues to challenge New York communities.
Each site will include a community resource center, offering workshops in financial literacy, employment readiness, and life skills. A portion of the funding will also support an annual “Path to Purpose” scholarship, helping young people who grew up in shelters access higher education or trade programs.
“James Cook’s donation is more than a contribution — it’s a catalyst,” said Ronald Peterson, director of the Buffalo Homeless Alliance. “This project will transform lives and change the way we approach housing and rehabilitation in this city.”
The initiative’s impact is already rippling through the region. Bills fans have started organizing online fundraisers to add to the project, while local businesses have pledged matching donations. Even the NFL Players Association has announced plans to recognize Cook with the Community Impact Award for his extraordinary service.
Despite his massive financial commitment, Cook was quick to remind everyone that this isn’t about fame or headlines — it’s about humanity.
“I’m blessed to play this game and be part of a team that means everything to this city,” he said. “But football is temporary. Impact lasts forever.”
As he left the podium, the crowd erupted in chants of “LET’S GO BUFFALO!” echoing through the stadium with pride and emotion.
For Buffalo, James Cook isn’t just a running back — he’s become a symbol of heart, humility, and hope. His donation will not only reshape lives but redefine what it means to be a hero in the truest sense.
From the streets of downtown Buffalo to the neighborhoods still recovering from years of hardship, one message now rings clear:
James Cook has turned his success into shelter — and his legacy into love.
Former Sean Payton QB Calls for Coach to Be Benched Amid Broncos’ Offensive Struggles
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is facing some serious heat, not just from fans, but from one of his former quarterbacks.
As Predominantly Orange noted, Ben DiNucci, who spent time under Payton’s system in a backup QB role in 2023, took to social media to voice what many in Broncos Country have been feeling all season: it’s time for Payton to give up play-calling duties.
The frustration has boiled over as Denver’s offense continues to sputter despite having one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds calling the plays.
DiNucci publicly called for quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, who handled play-calling during the preseason, to take over.
“Payton’s offense just isn’t clicking,” one fan replied to DiNucci’s post. “At least Webb had these guys moving the ball in August.”
Even those loyal to Payton are starting to question whether his grip on the offense has become part of the problem and if he is the reason this talented Broncos unit is underachieving.
Broncos’ Offensive Struggles
Through the first seven games of the season, the Broncos are averaging 23.3 points per game (17th) and 302.0 total yards per game, numbers that point towards an offense that is still searching for its rhythm.
For a team led by one of football’s most respected offensive minds, Denver’s struggles have been alarming.
Denver’s third-down conversion rate is 29.17% (28 of 96), among the league’s worst, a key reason drives continue to stall.
Protection has been leaky as well as they have allowed 34 sacks for 202 yards lost on the season.
The Broncos also sit at –2 in turnover differential and 29:02 in average time of possession, both indicators of an offense that struggles to sustain drives.
Explosiveness has not been there for Denver’s offense.
The Broncos are averaging just 179.9 passing yards per game and 93.3 rushing yards, with a modest 3.8 yards per carry.
For a team built around Sean Payton’s offensive creativity, those totals tell a different story. Denver’s offense is moving the ball at only 302 yards per game, while opponents are racking up 354.1 yards, meaning the Broncos are consistently losing the field position and time of possession battle.
Context matters: this is still a winning team.
Compared to Sean Payton’s usual standard where his Saints offenses consistently ranked among the NFL’s top 10, Denver’s current unit feels underwhelming.
Sitting 17th in points per game, the Broncos have been solid but far from the high-powered attacks that Payton was once known for.
With a 5-2 record and a defense holding opponents to 18.1 points per game, an average offense may be enough to get to the playoffs but any Super Bowl ambitions will require turning that 29.17% third-down rate and negative turnover mark in the right direction.
DiNucci’s critique resonates because the data does. Denver’s defense has given them a cushion; the offense now has to match it.
Despite the Denver Broncos‘ offensive struggles, head coach Sean Payton stated on Monday in a press conference that he has no plans to give up his play-calling duties.
When asked if he had considered handing the duties off, he replied, “No, I think we’re comfortable as an offensive staff of how we’re operating.”
