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On Sunday afternoon, Penn State University announced that it had raised a record $18.8 million dollars to fight pediatric cancer via THON, it’s well-known annual dance marathon.
That total is more than $1.1 million more than the previous record set a year ago, and in part, it has to do with a number of selfless football players, as well as new head coach Matt Campbell.
The idea all began with defensive end Max Granville, who was expected to play a big role for the Nittany Lions in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury over the summer and missing the entire year.
Still, Granville, a Texas native, stayed with the program despite head coach James Franklin being fired and replaced with Campbell, and he’s showing that he’s a great representative of the Nittany Lions both on and off the field.
Penn State Players Use NIL Funds To Support Their Community
According to offensive lineman Cooper Cousins, Granville approached the team about donating a portion of their NIL earnings to the dance marathon.
“We have the capability to sick up for something bigger than ourselves right now,” Cousins said, via Inside The Lions’ Audrey Snyder.
“My biggest thing is giving back to the community,” Cousins said. “Having the opportunities that Coach Campbell provided for us … it’s incredible. There’s about two or three opportunities a week to go to elementary schools, read, go to recess with kids. Every Tuesday, we pack lunches for kids that are less fortunate so they can eat lunch and actually have a lunch at the school.
“And then, on the weekends, we’re doing stuff with the [Bryce Jordan Center]. You’re packing more lunches, you’re packing dinners for people…”
Not only that, but Campbell agreed to that he would match all donations made by the players.
While we don’t know exactly how much each side donated, it’s clear that Campbell and his players are building a culture that involves more than just winning football games. And in the modern era of college football, that’s always a breath of fresh air.