Michigan football player spends bowl game gift on sick children

The new year already looks brighter for patients at Mott's Children Hospital, thanks to college student Kenny Allen. The kicker for the University of Michigan football team is spending hundreds of dollars gifted to him for appearing in a New Year's Day bowl game on presents for the kids.

Allen and his teammates each received a $315 credit to Best Buy for their appearance in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day. While many players purchased gifts for themselves with their credit, Allen used his to buy headphones and iTunes gift cards that he plans to donate to sick children at the Ann Arbor, Mich. hospital, according to MLive.com.

"We just had Christmas, I don't really need anything," Allen said. "So I might as well put it to something worthwhile."

The kicker said he was inspired by Peter Mortell, a punter for Minnesota who spent his Best Buy credit from participating in last year's Citrus Bowl on children in need.

"Some people don't have it as well as we do," Allen said. "It's always nice to help someone out."

Allen tweeted a picture on Saturday of the headphones and iTunes gift cards that he intended to donate.

Many Twitter users praised the kicker for his kind gesture.

"This is what it's all about. What a wonderful gesture for children who deserve so much," wrote one Twitter user.

"What a wonderful, selfless act. Much admiration to you! Go Blue!" wrote another.

Allen says he hopes his gift will inspire others to do the same.

"What [Mortell] did by posting it on social media kind of inspired me," Allen said. "So I figured if I did it, I'd post it and maybe someone else will see it and be inspired to do something nice for someone else."

Watch Michigan and Florida compete in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on Jan 1. at 1 p.m. ET | 12 p.m. CT on ABC.