Penn State captain honoring NBA icon father through community service

The Dawkins family needs little introduction, firmly established as one of the most prominent names in American sports. Nick Dawkins is already well on his way to adding to that legacy entering his final season with the Penn State football program. But the Nittany Lions captain is also focused on adding to his family’s story outside the lines.

In 2022, the Penn State center created the Dawkins Family Foundation to provide educational and enrichment opportunities to underprivileged children. Last fall, Dawkins was awarded the Wuerffel Trophy for his community service efforts in the Lehigh Valley and central Pennsylvania.

At Big Ten Media Days this week, Dawkins explained why the next generation is one of his life’s motivating factors.

“Youth is the greatest investment we can make into our future, so we want to prepare them for it,” he told BTN’s Dave Revsine. “Whether it be scholarships, whether it be school supplies, whatever we can do to prepare them for the future is what we do…We just try to provide opportunities. Wasted potential is something that we want to alleviate in this country, and that’s me playing my part in doing that.”

Recommended

Drew Allar: There’s not a throw on the field I can’t make

James Franklin open to revisiting Penn State-Pitt rivalry. But, there’s a catch

Dawkins sponsors several scholarships for high school seniors as part of the foundation, including one in honor of his late father, NBA legend Darryl Dawkins. The cousin of Philadelphia Eagles icon Brian Dawkins and Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, Dawkins says his family’s legacy is a profound influence as he prepares to become the next to embark into the professional sports world.

“I think the greatest gift you can be given is your last name,” he said. “And it’s your job to add more value to it. Every time I wake up, I’m thinking of how I can add more value to my last name, how can I make my family proud, and how can I make this Penn State football family proud.”

Dawkins was one of three Nittany Lions representing Penn State at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas this week. You can watch his entire interview below.

2024 Wuerffel Trophy Winner Nick Dawkins talks giving back to his community, and honoring his late father Darryl Dawkins ❤️#B1GFootball x @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/UD2lPREvDp

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 23, 2025

Penn State football will kick off training camp next week, with the season opener against Nevada on the horizon in 36 days.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube — and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for the latest breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on social media.