Ex-Penn State offensive lineman sets up fund for walk-on kicker

Special teams were a concern for the first few weeks of the season for Penn State football. But after the past two weeks, including a clutch game-winning kick in overtime, Ryan Barker has solidified the kicking duties for the Nittany Lions. There’s just one issue, he’s not on scholarship. So, former Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall has put together a unique way to help Barker earn money.

Ryan Barker is a Penn State football hero to many after connecting on the game-winning kick against USC last Saturday in overtime. But he is not currently on scholarship, which also means he is not eligible for NIL earnings either. Now, ex-Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall was forced to medically retire before the 2023 season.

Tengwall spends his time covering Penn State football on various platforms including his Behind the Wall Podcast. After seeking permission from the football team Tengwall will host Ryan Barker on his show and has also set up a give butter donation with all proceeds going directly to the Nittany Lion kicker. If you wish to donate please visit: https://givebutter.com/RyanBarker.

Tengwall reveals the full campaign details

On Twitter / X on Tuesday evening, Tengwall shared his initiative to support Ryan Barker.

“IMPORTANT: Ryan Barker, a Walk-On Kicker for Penn State Football, nailed the game-winning field goal against USC in an overtime win! Penn State fans, I am inviting Ryan on the Behind The Wall Podcast, so Nittany Nation can get to know Ryan off the field. Any amount you can donate to help make this happen is greatly appreciated! 100% of the money donated goes to Ryan Barker.”

IMPORTANT: Ryan Barker, a Walk-On Kicker for Penn State Football, nailed the game-winning field goal against USC in an overtime win! Penn State fans, I am inviting Ryan on the Behind The Wall Podcast, so Nittany Nation can get to know Ryan off the field. Any amount you can donate…

— LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) October 15, 2024

James Franklin shares his thoughts on Tengwall’s post-football career

Syndication: York Daily Record

Following practice on Tuesday night, James Franklin spoke with the Penn State media and was asked about Landon Tengwall.

“I’m just proud of Landon,” Franklin said. “He’s just got a unique perspective of a high 4-5 star national recruit. So, he understands that aspect of it. He’s been a starter at a top-10 program in the Big Ten. So he knows what that’s like, he understands the game. I just think he has a unique perspective on the game of football. And obviously, he understands Penn State.

“So we were trying to figure out what the next phase was. Whether it was coaching, whether it was strength and conditioning, or media and he seems to be carving out a nice little niche for himself and none of us are surprised. I think the other thing is his ability to understand what our players are going through and obviously has relationships with them. I think he can ask really good questions that I think the fans want to hear. So I’m really proud of him and we’re not surprised.”

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