Michael Mauti, a standout linebacker and Penn State All-American, has taken on a key role within Penn State’s athletic department. Known for his remarkable efforts on and off the field, especially during the 2012 NCAA sanctions, Mauti will now serve as an associate director of development for the Nittany Lion Club. This organization plays a crucial part in Penn State athletics, focusing on raising funds for scholarships, capital projects, and various endowments through its extensive membership.
Mauti’s legacy at Penn State is not only marked by his exceptional play, which earned him the title of Big Ten linebacker of the year and a first-team All-American in 2012, but also by his leadership during one of the program’s most challenging times. Following severe NCAA sanctions in 2012, Mauti, alongside teammates like Michael Zordich and Jordan Hill, led a notable campaign to keep the team together. Through persuasive phone calls and a stirring video statement, he became a central figure in what is considered one of college football’s most significant player-led retention efforts.
Mauti’s message during the crisis was clear and powerful, stating, “This program was not built by one man and this program sure as hell is not going to get torn down by one man,” emphasizing the team’s resilience and unity.
After his time in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, Mauti returned to the Penn State community in 2022 to support an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiative. Together with former Nittany Lions Chris Ganter and Ki-Jana Carter, he co-founded Lions Legacy Club, a football-focused collective aimed at supporting current players. In 2023, this group merged with Success With Honor to form Happy Valley United, officially representing Penn State’s NIL collective.
Mauti likened the establishment of the Lions Legacy Club to his efforts in 2012, highlighting the parallels between the NCAA’s transfer policies then and the current dynamics of the NCAA Transfer Portal. He expressed concerns about the potential loss of players and the critical need for a unified approach to address the challenges posed by the portal.
His role in the athletic department speaks to his deep connection with Penn State’s values and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the institution. Mauti joins a list of Penn State football lettermen who continue to serve the program in various capacities, further strengthening the bond within the university’s football community.
As Penn State looks forward, Mauti’s involvement in the athletic department underscores the ongoing commitment of former players to ensure the program’s future success. His journey from a player rallying his teammates to a key figure in the development arm reflects his enduring dedication to Penn State football and its broader community.