LaVar Arrington, one of Penn State’s most iconic football alumni, has made a historic $15 million donation to the university’s football program. This generous contribution stands as one of the largest ever made by a former Penn State athlete and reflects Arrington’s enduring gratitude to the coaches, teammates, and mentors who helped shape his career and life during his time in Happy Valley.
Arrington, who played linebacker for the Nittany Lions from 1997 to 1999, was a dominant force on the field and became a household name in college football. His exceptional athleticism and tenacious play earned him numerous accolades, including the Butkus Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 1999, which recognize the nation’s top linebacker and defensive player, respectively. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, Arrington went on to enjoy a successful NFL career before retiring and transitioning into broadcasting and entrepreneurship.
In announcing his donation, Arrington expressed his deep emotional connection to Penn State, crediting the university and its football program for providing the foundation upon which his success was built. “This isn’t just about football,” Arrington said during a press conference. “It’s about the people who poured into me as a young man—the coaches who believed in me, the teammates who fought beside me, and the university that gave me a platform to grow both as a player and as a person.”
The $15 million gift will go toward a variety of enhancements for the football program, including facility upgrades, scholarships, and support services for student-athletes. A portion of the funds will also be dedicated to initiatives that promote leadership development, education, and career readiness—areas that Arrington has become passionate about in his post-football life.
Penn State head coach and university officials praised Arrington for his generosity and leadership. “LaVar’s contribution is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of our program,” said Athletic Director Patrick Kraft. “His decision to give back in such a meaningful way demonstrates the kind of character we hope to instill in all of our student-athletes.”
Arrington’s gift is more than a financial boost—it is a message to current and future players about the importance of legacy, loyalty, and giving back. He emphasized that his donation is a tribute to those who helped him along the way and a way to ensure that future generations of Nittany Lions have the same opportunities he did.
As Penn State Football looks toward the future, Arrington’s landmark donation serves as a reminder of the deep bonds that tie alumni to the program. It is a celebration of the past, a commitment to the present, and a promise for the future—one shaped by a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to give back.
