University Park, PA — In a landmark moment for Penn State Football, two of the program’s most iconic alumni—LaVar Arrington and Saquon Barkley—have joined forces to announce a multi-million dollar endowment aimed at advancing the legacy and future of the Nittany Lions. The ESPN report confirmed that the initiative will provide financial support for athletic facilities, player development programs, and academic resources, signaling a transformative era for Penn State’s football program.
The announcement was made during a press event held on campus, drawing a crowd of students, alumni, and athletic staff. Both Arrington and Barkley, legends in their own right, spoke with emotion and pride as they reflected on their time in Happy Valley and the impact Penn State had on their lives.
“This university helped mold me into the man I am today,” said LaVar Arrington, a former linebacker, Super Bowl MVP, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee. “It’s not just about football—it’s about giving back to the community and ensuring future generations of student-athletes have the support they need to succeed both on and off the field.”
Saquon Barkley, an NFL star and widely regarded as one of the most dynamic running backs to ever wear the blue and white, echoed those sentiments. “Penn State is family. I wouldn’t be where I am without the coaching, mentorship, and support I received here. This endowment is our way of saying thank you—and paving the way for the next wave of greatness.”
The endowment is expected to be used toward upgrading weight room equipment, nutrition programs, and academic support services for players, while also helping to attract top-tier talent to the program. Penn State Head Coach James Franklin praised the duo for their generosity, calling the gift “a powerful investment in our future.”
With this historic gesture, Arrington and Barkley not only cement their legacies as legends of the gridiron, but also as visionary philanthropists dedicated to uplifting their alma mater.
