COLUMBIA, Mo. – Santa made an unexpected stop in Columbia Thursday as Mizzou graduate Chris Cox made an unrestricted $1M gift to the University of Missouri's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced today.

"We are tremendously grateful for Chris' generous gift to Mizzou Athletics that will benefit many of our student-athletes for years to come," Sterk said. "I continue to be impressed with the passion of our loyal donors to support Mizzou's student-athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.

The gift may be used at the athletics department's discretion, with a portion of it designated for continued improvements to Mizzou Football's practice facilities and the rest being utilized for additional facility enhancements within the Mizzou Sports Park.

"We are extremely grateful for this incredible gift from the Cox family," said Ashley Moore, Executive Associate Athletics Director/Tiger Scholarship Fund. "Chris' generosity will further Mizzou Athletics' mission while providing life-changing opportunities for our student-athletes through the Tiger Scholarship Fund."

Thanks to generous donations from individuals such as Cox and Mizzou Football letterwinners, a grass practice field was converted to a turf field ahead of the 2019 season, and a second field was completely re-sodded for the second-straight year. Adding lights and permanent video filming towers would complete the vision for the facility.

"I continue to be excited about the direction of Mizzou Athletics under the leadership of Jim Sterk, and this gift is a direct way for me to support his efforts," Cox said. "I am inspired by the recent hire of Eliah Drinkwitz as our new football coach and look forward to watching him lead the Tigers to many successes in the coming years.

"This is an exciting time for Mizzou, and we need Tiger fans around the country to rally in support of Mizzou Athletics, and in particular, our football program," he added. "I am blessed to be in position to do my part in support of Coach Drinkwitz and Mizzou Athletics."

A six-game home schedule is on tap for the 2020 Tigers. Mizzou fans looking to renew their season tickets or purchase new season tickets can do so online at www.MUTigers.com/CoachDrinkwitz. Fans can also contact the Mizzou Ticket Office with questions at 1-800-CAT-PAWS (884-PAWS locally).

For all the latest on Mizzou Football, stay tuned to www.MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter (@MizzouFootball) and like the team on Facebook and Instagram.