Who is Charlie Becker? The Indiana wide receiver that pledged to donate $1,000 for every touchdown he scores to help fight ALS

C harlie Becker ’s breakout at Indiana gave him a bigger platform. Now he is using it for something far more personal than football .

The Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver has pledged to donate $1,000 for every touchdown he scores this season to Huddle for Hope , an ALS-focused initiative inspired by his aunt’s diagnosis.

“My family has always been super close and five years ago we learned that my aunt was diagnosed with ALS,” Becker said on The Pat McAfee Show.

“That affected all of us. I was in a spot where I really couldn't help, and I really wanted to, because there's not a cure.”

That feeling has stayed with him as his football career has grown.

Becker’s rise at Indiana gave him chance to help

Becker became a more significant part of Indiana’s offense midway through last season, scoring four touchdowns during the Hoosiers ’ run to the national championship.

With a larger role expected in 2026 and NIL money now giving him the ability to contribute financially, Becker decided to connect his production directly to the cause.

McAfee immediately added to the momentum, saying he would match Becker ’s donations.

The show also floated prominent Indiana names such as Mark Cuban , Joe Buck and former quarterback Fernando Mendoza as potential supporters.

That connection carries extra weight because Mendoza ’s mother, Elsa, has multiple sclerosis, and the former Indiana quarterback has also been active in raising awareness around neurological disease.

Huddle for Hope is expanding beyond football

Becker ’s campaign isn't limited to what happens on Saturdays. He has also partnered with Bloomington restaurant Buffalouie ’s, which created a burger tied to the fundraising effort.

Twenty percent of sales goes toward the cause, with the restaurant matching that amount.

“My aunt was diagnosed with ALS and she’s been an amazing light in my life,” Becker said in the campaign announcement. “I just want to help her as much as I can.”

Buffalouie’s owner Ed Schwartzman said he hopes the campaign can grow beyond local support.

“There could be one person who might look at this and say, you know what, I’m going to put a seven-figure check in there,” Schwartzman said.

ALS , also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease , is a progressive nervous system condition that affects the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. There is currently no cure.

Indiana opens its 2026 season September 5 against North Texas . If Becker reaches the end zone, the scoreboard will not be the only thing that changes.