Penn State announced this week that former All‑American linebacker Michael Mauti will join the university’s football staff as director of football engagement, a role designed to bridge the program’s past with its future.
A Legacy Rejoins the Program
Mauti, who earned Big Ten linebacker of the year honors and first‑team All‑American status in 2012, brings a championship pedigree and a reputation as an emotional leader during the program’s early years under NCAA sanctions.
His five‑year NFL stint with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, following a seventh‑round draft pick in 2013, underscores the professional path he now hopes to mentor for current players.
Mauti’s roots run deep in State College; he is the son of former Nittany Lion wide receiver Rich Mauti and the brother of Patrick Mauti, who also wore the blue and white on the gridiron.
The hiring comes as the program leans on a cadre of former players occupying key positions across the staff, a strategy that reflects a broader effort to preserve culture while pursuing new successes.
In his new capacity, Mauti will oversee player development initiatives, coordinate community outreach, and serve as a liaison between the locker room and administrative leadership, aiming to reinforce the values that defined his playing days.
University officials highlighted the move as part of a larger vision to leverage alumni expertise, ensuring that the Nittany Lions’ storied tradition continues to inspire the next generation of student‑athletes.