Gerhart Officially NFL-bound

![](http://pyleoflist.com/content/images/2009/12/toby-gerhart.jpg)
Toby Gerhart, Stanford running back
It’s not surprising, but [it’s official](http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011510aaa.html): Toby Gerhart, Stanford’s star running back, will be going to the NFL next year and is leaving Stanford for the remainder of winter quarter in order to prepare for the NFL Combine in February. While he could have stayed on for an additional season due to an injury redshirt earlier in his career, it’s not surprising to see him head for the big league. He leaves “with school-record 44 touchdowns (all rushing) and his 264 career points rank second on Stanford’s all-time career list.” Additionally, he set a single season record for rushing touchdowns (28) for both Stanford and the entire PAC-10. Oh, and he was second for the [Heisman](http://www.heisman.com/index.php) and won the Doak Walker award for best running back in the nation.

I suppose that the only question that this settled was that of whether Gerhart would go pro in football or baseball. For those readers who didn’t already know, Gerhart was a double threat and even earlier this year was still uncertain about his long-term plans, only “leaning toward the NFL over baseball.” Finally, Gerhart solidified his class-act status, as he took the opportunity around this announcement to ask readers to donate to Haiti in the wake of a devastating earthquake there, saying:

I have been blessed to have spent time at this special place and have seen first-hand how the Stanford family takes care of not just its own members, but the disadvantaged and underprivileged within our community as well.  Because of that, I urge Stanford fans everywhere to join me in extending a helping hand to the devastated citizens of Haiti. They need our help now. Whether it’s a small donation of food, bottled water or medical supplies, a monetary gift to the United Nations or the Red Cross, or volunteering whatever aid you can provide, please do so. Keep all those affected and providing rescue in our thoughts and prayers.

I second this sentiment. Take advantage of the Stanford Medical School’s offer to match contributions to Albert Schweitzer hospital in Haiti. Here’s how:

1. Submit gift amount and credit card information through online form at [http://www.hashaiti.org/C1a_w1.html](http://www.hashaiti.org/C1a_w1.html). 2. Click on Make This A Tribute Gift button, which appears* AFTER* your transaction is processed. 3. On Tribute Gift page: - Indicate that your donation is a matching gift. - Enter your Stanford affiliation as the Matching Organization: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University Department of Medicine or Stanford Hospital & Clinics. - You will receive an email confirmation for your gift amount only; Stanford’s matching funds will not be reflected on your receipt.

To make a donation by check, make checks payable to Hopital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) and indicate your Stanford affiliation on the memo line and send them to:

Hopital Albert Schweitzer

P.O. Box 81046

Pittsburgh, PA, 15217

To close, Stanford will miss Gerhart as a student, athlete, and a human being. Best of luck to him in his NFL career!