LaVar Arrington and Saquon Barkley Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for Penn State Football
State College, PA — In a landmark gesture of loyalty and legacy, Penn State legends LaVar Arrington and Saquon Barkley have teamed up to announce a multi-million dollar endowment to benefit the Nittany Lions football program. The donation, revealed exclusively through ESPN, aims to create lasting opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening the university’s athletic infrastructure.
Arrington, a College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL Pro Bowler, and Barkley, a Super Bowl MVP and one of the NFL’s top running backs, both credit their time at Penn State as pivotal to their careers. Their joint contribution underscores a shared commitment to giving back to the program that launched them into stardom.
“This university shaped us, on and off the field,” said Arrington. “It’s only right we give others the same chance we had—to grow, compete, and lead.”
The endowment will support athletic scholarships, academic resources, mental health services, and facility enhancements. It also aims to create leadership development programs tailored to help student-athletes prepare for life beyond football.
Barkley emphasized the broader mission: “This is about legacy, but more importantly, it’s about impact. We want every player who walks through that locker room to know they have the tools to succeed—in football and in life.”
University officials lauded the donation as one of the most significant athlete-led contributions in school history. Head coach James Franklin called it “a transformative investment in the future of Penn State football.”
With this endowment, Arrington and Barkley solidify their standing not only as legends on the field but as visionary leaders off it—ensuring that generations of Nittany Lions to come will be equipped for greatness.
