STATE COLLEGE, PA —In a moment that brought Beaver Stadium to its feet (even in the offseason), John Cappelletti, Penn State’s legendary Heisman Trophy winner, has just given back in a way only legends can — donating two custom-built luxury buses to the Nittany Lions football program.
The donation was revealed in classic Penn State fashion — understated, powerful, and all class. During a quiet team meeting, the players were called outside… and there they were: two gleaming, snow-white buses trimmed in navy, roaring up to the Lasch Building with “We Are” glowing across the windshields. And behind them? Cappelletti, smiling humbly.
> “Penn State made me who I am,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to help these guys chase their own greatness — and roll like champions while they’re at it.”
The Heart of a Lion — On the Road
The buses, crafted with elegance and grit, reflect everything Penn State stands for:
Navy-and-white stitched reclining captain’s seats with Lion headrest logos
Onboard recovery suites and high-performance nutrition bars
4K theater screens, VR strategy hubs, and high-speed Wi-Fi
Subtle tributes to Penn State greats etched into the cabin trim
Cappelletti’s iconic No. 22 carved inside each entrance under a glowing “Linebacker U” banner
Already dubbed “The 22 Express” by players, the buses are as much about legacy as they are luxury.
Coach James Franklin Reacts
Head coach James Franklin was floored.
> “John Cappelletti is the heartbeat of Penn State Football,” Franklin said. “He gave us history — and today, he gave our future something truly special.”
He also hinted at a competitive edge: “Let’s just say, this changes how we show up — for games, for recruits, and for everything in between.”
Locker Room Buzz
Senior linebacker Curtis Jacobs said it best: “We study Cappelletti in the film room. Now we roll in his name? That’s legacy in motion.”
Fans and alumni immediately lit up the internet:
> “Cappelletti just gave Penn State TWO luxury buses? That’s Lion Loyalty.”
“WE ARE… rolling first-class thanks to No. 22!”
“The GOAT gave us wheels. Now let’s bring the trophy back to Happy Valley!”
A Legacy That Keeps Giving
John Cappelletti’s emotional 1973 Heisman speech, where he dedicated the trophy to his younger brother Joey, remains one of the most heartfelt moments in sports history. And now, decades later, he’s still showing what it means to be a Nittany Lion.
> “This program gave me a platform,” Cappelletti said. “This is about giving it back — for the next generation of Lions ready to roar.”
With the 2025 season looming and playoff dreams alive in Happy Valley, one thing’s for sure: Penn State isn’t just built for Saturdays — it’s rolling in tradition, powered by legends.
