Penn State Football is a large part of the State College community and we can always count on some type of connection to the biggest football game of the year. Super Bowl LIX featured four former Penn State alumni headlined by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who were both making their first appearance in the NFL Championship. Over the years, 120 Penn State football lettermen have appeared in the Super Bowl with 48 players getting to raise the championship trophy at least once.
Sophomore Kara Rhinehart, an Eagles and Penn State fan, shared her feelings toward the game and the players.
“Yeah, I definitely [am proud] because I obviously love Penn State and I’m even happier that they [Dotson and Barkley] were able to stay in Pennsylvania,” Rhinehart said.
Sophomore Elizabeth Houser, a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, explained the draw of this year’s Super Bowl matchup.
“I wouldn’t normally relate to the Eagles or the Chiefs, but the fact that these Penn Staters, you know, play for the Eagles, that made me relate to them,” Houser said.
This was Barkley’s first year with the Eagles after spending the last six with the New York Giants, the team that drafted him number two overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. After several years impacted by injuries and a difficult team environment, he thrived in a new organization with a strong set of teammates and coaches.
Since joining the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley hit many statistical milestones. He broke the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season with 2,504 yards. This season he also scored 20 touchdowns including an NFL record seven touchdowns of greater than 60 yards. As a result, Barkley was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year at the 2025 NFL Honors Awards on Feb. 6.
Rhinehart explained her views on how these players represent the State College community.
“I mean they’re such great players as well as human beings. Saquon having such a wonderful season this year shows how hardworking Penn State players are as well as alums,” Rhinehart said.
Dotson has had an up-and-down career in the NFL after being selected by the Washington Commanders with the 16th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, he had 19 receptions for 216 yards and no touchdowns. Just before this season, he was traded to the Eagles in exchange for three future draft picks, which became a homecoming of sorts for Dotson.
“Being able to play for the hometown team is awesome. Growing up, a lot of Eagles fans around, you can tell the passion,” Dotson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Being able to represent Pennsylvania is awesome.”
Rhinehart also reflected on Dotson’s time at Penn State and a memorable experience.
“I think a favorite memory definitely was seeing Jahan Dotson’s one-hand catch and a touchdown against Ohio State in 2020,” Rhinehart said.
In this year’s Super Bowl, running back Barkley had 25 carries and 57 yards, and wide receiver Dotson had two receptions and 42 yards. While neither player had a big game statistically, they each made key contributions that led to the Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22.
Looking to the future, Rhinehart shared which Penn Stater she hopes to see in the next Super Bowl.
“I’d definitely love to see Tyler Warren just because of how good of a player he was for Penn State and him being such a great guy. I would just be really happy for him,” Rhinehart said.
Houser identified another top prospect in the upcoming draft that she hopes to see in the championship game soon.
“Abdul Carter because he’s about to go into the NFL,” Houser said.
Given the strong track record of Nittany Lions playing in the big game, we should expect to see our local school represented again next year. With 47 alumni currently playing in the NFL across 24 of the 32 franchises, chances are good that a Penn Stater will once again raise the Lombardi trophy and be able to call themselves a Super Bowl champion.
