Ryan Day is a prominent name in college football. The head coach of Ohio State is known for his leadership qualities but also for his significant contribution to non-profit organizations working for mental health. He was born on 12 March 1979, in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Raymond and Lisa Day. Rayan’s family has a long history with New Hampshire, since the time of the Puritans. However, there were many misconceptions about Day’s ethnic background, his family roots, and his personal history. Let’s clear all the misunderstandings and get to know the former New Hampshire player’s family more closely.

Day’s family background is clearly American, with both of his parents being white. Raymond and Lisa gave birth to three boys. Chris and Tim are Day’s younger brothers. The early life of Day and his siblings was not the same as any other normal kid. Significant challenges filled their early life. January 20, 1988, is the black day in Day’s family. Tragically, Raymond Day took his life when Ryan was just nine years old. Chris and Tim were seven and five years old, respectively. Because of Raymond’s death, Lisa raised the boys all alone. For many years, Lisa and the boys had to face emotional and financial difficulties.

Meet Nina Day, Ryan Day’s high school love

Ryan married his childhood friend, Christina Ourania Spirou, in 2005. The couple’s first meeting was on the same tee-ball team. Ryan calls his wife Nina, which is her nickname. Nina is a year older than Ryan. She graduated from the same school as Ryan. Manchester Central High School has played a significant role in the couple’s life. They have made many memories together in the school. Nina studied communications at New Hemisphere University and started her professional career as an assistant after completing her graduation.

Ryan and Nina have three kids, RJ, Grace, and Nia. Nina chose her family over her professional life. Despite having a promising career, she decided to focus on her husband’s mental health and their family. Nina is the main character in the head coach’s life; she was there with him through thick and thin. Although Ryan’s football career keeps him very busy, Nina takes care he does not leave out and is involved in all the activities they do as a family. Her support means a lot to Ryan, and he makes sure everyone around equally valued and loved his high school love.

The couple not only focuses on their family solely but is also involved in making a positive impact in the community. Both of them are actively involved in mental health campaigns. They give their best to help the organizations working towards the same cause.

The Day family’s charitable contributions

When Ryan was just nine years old and his dad left the world for a better place, he was shattered. His mental health was at stake; the tragic incident in his life made him commit and support mental health causes. Ryan is a big promoter of mental health awareness.

Ryan and Mina believe that people silently struggle with mental health issues and hesitate to seek help. He has mentioned the main reason for keeping quiet is being judged by others. Ryan himself was a victim for a long time at an early age, and that drove him to start supporting the initiative. Ryan, with the help of his wife, attends many mental health programs and speaks to people who need help.

The couple has established a fund at the National Children’s Hospital that is solely dedicated to mental health for children and teens. They have collaborated with the On Our Sleeves campaign, which is working on the only vision to promote mental health and help youngsters. In 2023, in August, the Days donated $1 million to help and support mental health research.

The couple’s charity work does not stop there; they have also planned to donate $1 million to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine in 2024. The money is for helping advance mental health services and research.

Currently, because of all his family’s good work, Ryan, his wife, and their three children are enjoying his successful football career.