LEGENDS GIVE BACK: LaVar Arrington and Saquon Barkley Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment to Penn State Football in Game-Changing Move
In a powerful show of loyalty and legacy, Penn State greats LaVar Arrington and Saquon Barkley have joined forces to give back to the program that launched their careers. According to an ESPN report, the former Nittany Lions—both NFL stars and legends in their own right—have established a multi-million dollar endowment to support the continued growth and excellence of Penn State Football.
Arrington, a former All-American linebacker and Hall of Fame candidate, and Barkley, a Super Bowl MVP and two-time Pro Bowler, announced the endowment during a special press event in Happy Valley. The fund, reportedly worth over $10 million, will directly benefit player development programs, academic support services, and cutting-edge training facilities for current and future Nittany Lions.
“This is more than just giving money,” Barkley said. “It’s about creating opportunities and keeping Penn State at the forefront of college football. This program shaped us, and now it’s our turn to invest in its future.”
The donation is one of the largest ever received by the Penn State athletics department and is expected to have a lasting impact not only on football operations but on the university’s recruiting and retention strategies. Arrington emphasized the importance of mentorship and legacy.
“We’re here because someone believed in us,” Arrington said. “Now it’s our turn to pass that belief down. This endowment is for the next generation of Lions.”
Head coach James Franklin praised the gesture, calling it “a transformational moment” for the program. “This shows our players what it means to be part of the Penn State family. It’s bigger than football—it’s for life.”
With this historic gift, Arrington and Barkley are leaving more than a legacy on the field—they’re building one off it, too.
