Western PA Madden Championship: Play for Purpose
Supporting The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation
An RMU-Organized Esports Fundraiser Supporting the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation
This fall, Robert Morris University is organizing Madden Madness, an esports tournament and fundraising initiative supporting the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation. The Fund helps individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers by providing resources and support to improve independence and quality of life. Funds raised through Madden Madness will help advance this mission and support individuals and families facing the challenges of spinal cord injury recovery.
The Ryan Shazier Fund
for Spinal Rehabilitation
The mission of The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation is to give those
with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their caregivers the support, resources and
funding they need to live independent and meaningful lives.
Leaderboard
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How Madden Madness Works
Represent Your School: We're challenging every participating high school and college to raise a minimum of $250 to be part of Madden Madness! Every school that reaches this goal will be invited to send at least one representative to Robert Morris University on December 3, 2026, where they will have the opportunity to meet Ryan Shazier, take a photo with him, and receive a certificate recognizing their school's fundraising efforts. Each school can decide who represents them; whether it's their Madden tournament champion, top fundraiser, or another deserving student!
Fundraising Campaigns: Participating high schools and colleges will organize fundraising
campaigns leading up to the tournament to raise the minimum amount of $250. Schools can
host Madden competitions, gaming livestreams, student challenges, or other activities to
raise money and awareness for the Fund.
Fundraising Tiers: Schools can earn special rewards by reaching specific fundraising goals, including: Minimum for Entry into Madden Madness ($250), an autographed Terrible Towel ($500), an autographed Steelers mini-helmet ($750), an autographed Steelers Football ($1,000), a personalized video from Ryan Shazier ($2,500), or a personalized video and framed autographed Ryan Shazier jersey ($5,000).
Championship Selection: The top two fundraising schools in each division (high school and college), based on total dollars raised, will be invited to compete in a special Madden Madness Championship Show Match, played live on stage in front of an audience along with former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier at RMU on December 3 at 6:00pm!
Why Fundraising Matters
Madden Madness is about more than gaming and competition. Raising money for the Ryan Shazier Fund is the most important part of the initiative. Donations help the fund continue supporting people with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers as they navigate rehabilitation, recovery, and everyday life. By participating, donating, or sharing the campaign, students and communities can help make a meaningful difference. Every contribution helps support the Fund’s mission and turns esports competition into a positive impact for individuals and families who need it.
Ideas for School Fundraising Campaigns
Gaming Marathon/ Extended Livestream
A school or Esports program could host a gaming marathon or extended livestream with participants raising money throughout the broadcast. Streams could incorporate fundraising goals, donation milestones, guest appearances, or challenges tied to contributions.
Campus or Alumni Fundraising Nights
Other possibilities include student-versus-faculty gaming events, campus fundraising nights, alumni challenges, or other activities developed by participating schools. Schools can develop an approach that works for their community while keeping the focus on raising money and awareness for the Ryan Shazier Fund.
Host your own Madden Tournament
Schools and Esports programs can also host their own Madden tournaments, create fundraising competitions between student organizations or teams, or challenge another participating school to see which community can raise the most money.