My experience with Penn State in the NFL has been incredible. Sure, I have an Nittany Lion koozie, and I make sure to money out every game so I don’t miss a beat, but that’s just the start of it. I mean, I’m a proud Penn State Alum, so you know I’m an avid fan of the Nittany Lions in the NFL.
The atmosphere in the stadiums when Penn State alumni turn out for the game is electric. You can feel the sense of camaraderie and shared pride with fellow alumni, family, and friends. Even non-Penn Staters tend to get caught up in the excitement. From the tailgates to the stands, you can feel the energy emanating throughout the stadium.
I still remember the first time I saw a Penn State player in an NFL game. I was so proud to see one of my peers playing at the next level, to say nothing of the countless other alumni who have reached the profession ranks as well.
The level of talent that Penn State produces is on full display every time an alumnus takes the field. Saquon Barkley’s amazing accomplishments in the NFL illustrate just how far a Penn State education can take you. His work ethic and ability to succeed have penetrated far beyond the football field and have inspired countless young Penn State fans.
The support the Nittany Lion alumni show to the players in the pros is absolutely remarkable. From the postage-stamp-sized pictures we keep coming back to their sheer joy and enthusiasm, we have created a lifelong bond with the team. Even if our team never wins a championship, the camaraderie of Penn Staters is truly special.
On Sundays now, I make sure to pack a Nittany Lion coffee mug for the games. I’ve been a fan of the NFL and Penn State since I was a child. To me, seeing a Penn State alum in the NFL is like watching a part of my alma mater play on one of the biggest stages in the world, and I’m proud to be a part of it all.
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I can’t tell you how funny it is in my household when Penn State plays an NFL team. Every time, it’s like a rivalry between my family. We make sure to wear Penn State gear to the games, so there’s no mistaking who we are going to be rooting for.
My father, a die hard Penn State fan, does his best to get us to the game, win or lose. He’s been a Penn State fan for as long as I can remember. It’s the bond we share as father and son. For him, watching a Penn State alum play in the NFL is a reminder of all of the important values he learned from the school: hard work, dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm for the sport we all love.
It’s been extremely exciting to watch winning moments come and go for Penn State players in the NFL. From the receptions by Allen Robinson, to field goal kicks by Joey Julius, to the touchdowns scored by Saquon Barkley, we’ve all had plenty of highlights to cheer for.
It’s not only the incredible game-winning plays that makes it special for me, but the preparation and the intricacies of their craft that make their performances so captivating. There’s something special about watching a Penn State grad become an NFL star.
At the same time, I know the Nittany Lion experience isn’t only about the individual; it’s just as much about the team. Whether it’s a former “Crazy Chickens” offensive lineman blocking on a passing play, or a now retired Adam Breneman making a clutch catch in the red zone, it’s always an amazing sight to see Penn State alumni playing together in the NFL.
The amount of pride we have for our fellow Nittany Lions is unimaginable. When a former Penn State football player is honored for the accomplishments on the field, the entire university community celebrates. We all know that behind each NFL player is a family, a school, and a community that has his back every step of the way.
From watching games on TV and playing house when we were little, to actually seeing the success of the Nittany Lions in the NFL, it’s been an incredible journey. We have a group of players who remind us to always work hard and never forget where we came from. Nothing says “we are Penn State” like a bunch of stars shining in the NFL.