Kerney donates to U.Va.

Daily Press

May 3, 2007, 10:41 PM EDT

Former Virginia Cavaliers All-American defensive lineman Patrick Kerney has made a "significant" gift to the football program's $3-million renovation of the McCue Center.

Kerney went to Virginia on a lacrosse scholarship before settling on football. He graduated in 1999 and was a first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons that year.

After eight seasons in Atlanta, Kerney recently signed a six-year, free-agent deal with Seattle worth $39.5 million, $19.5 million of which is guaranteed.

"The University of Virginia football program propelled me to the point where I am today," Kerney said in a statement.

The McCue Center project involves the football locker room, players' lounge, weight room, and training room.