By Exec Edge Editorial Staff
John McEntee, the former University of Connecticut quarterback who went on to become a key political figure in U.S. Conservative politics under President Donald Trump, has made a substantial financial contribution to UConn’s football program, the Huskies announced.
University officials did not disclose the size of McEntee’s gift, but two individuals familiar with the athletic department’s fundraising activity pegged the donation at six figures. The funds will reportedly be directed toward NIL support (name, image, likeness) and facility enhancements.
“Long before NIL was officially allowed, I got a taste of how powerful a personal brand can be,” McEntee said. “I hope this allows today’s athletes to build their brands and benefit from the impact that can have on their careers beyond football.”
McEntee, 35, is best remembered by UConn fans for his viral ‘Johnny Mac Trick Shot Quarterback’ YouTube video, which amassed over 7 million views and kicked off the era of viral trick shot videos.
The Southern California native’s journey from walk-on to starter was marked by a breakout game against Western Michigan that year, in which he threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns – a performance that remains one of the highlights of UConn’s time in FBS competition. He joined the UConn Huskies in 2008 and redshirted his first year.
After limited playing time in 2009 and 2010, he earned the starting quarterback role in 2011, leading the team through all 12 games under Head Coach Paul Pasqualoni . That season, his performance, which included four games with over 200 passing yards, earned McEntee the program’s Joseph M. Giannelli Unsung Hero Award.
After graduating in 2012, McEntee entered conservative media, working as a production assistant at Fox News before joining the Trump campaign in 2015.
McEntee’s influence as a figure in right-wing politics grew significantly during President Trump’s first term. As the President’s “body man,” McEntee was given direct access to the Oval Office in both a literal and figurative sense. In 2020, he became Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, tasked with identifying loyalists and reshaping the federal bureaucracy through oversight and management of thousands of federal government workers.
His time in that position drew both scrutiny and praise, particularly when McEntee was credited with successfully removing officials from government for failing to demonstrate sufficient support for Trump’s agenda.
Outside of politics, McEntee has found success as an entrepreneur and public figure.
He co-founded The Right Stuff, a dating app for young conservatives that offered an alternative to mainstream platforms, which have been criticized for alienating right-leaning users with overtly liberal branding and features.
Under the handle @daterightstuff on TikTok, McEntee has cultivated a massive following, with posts that often blend conservative messaging with lifestyle content. Notably, McEntee was an early and vocal critic of calls to ban TikTok championed by other Republican politicians.
Alumni Engagement Amid Changing Landscape
The timing of McEntee’s donation aligns with UConn football’s push to strengthen alumni support as it navigates the new terrain of college athletics, including changes to NIL rules, the transfer portal, and conference realignment.
The program has shown signs of improvement with back to back bowl appearances under former head coach Jim Mora. With Mora’s departure, and the hiring of Jason Candle as the new head coach, the program enters a new chapter – one that donors see as a continuation of the upward trajectory.
“When our network of former players comes together to invest in the future of UConn Football, it sends a powerful message,” said Mike Burton, a 1999 UConn alumni, former Husky, and, like McEntee, a recent donor to the program.
University officials say alumni contributions like McEntee’s are increasingly vital, particularly for non-Power Five schools.
Larger programs often benefit from major television contracts and deep-pocketed booster networks. Mid-majors like UConn rely more heavily on individual donations to improve infrastructure, enhance the athlete experience, and signal long-term institutional confidence.
“One of the most fulfilling experiences in life is being part of something bigger than yourself,” McEntee said “I hope today’s athletes carry that mindset with them into life after sports.”
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