Penn State to Honor LaVar Arrington with Statue at Beaver Stadium
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – In a move that cements one of the greatest legacies in college football history, Penn State University announced today that it will unveil a bronze statue of LaVar Arrington outside Beaver Stadium in the fall of 2025. The tribute recognizes Arrington’s seismic impact on the Nittany Lions program during his tenure from 1997 to 1999, and celebrates his enduring influence on the culture of Penn State football.
Arrington, a two-time All-American linebacker and winner of the Chuck Bednarik and Dick Butkus Awards in 1999, was the centerpiece of one of the most fearsome defenses in program history. Known for his explosive athleticism, instinctive play, and highlight-reel hits—including the legendary “LaVar Leap” over the offensive line to stuff an Illinois fourth-and-one—Arrington helped redefine the linebacker position at Linebacker U.
The statue will be erected along Curtin Road, facing the entrance used by players on game day, and stands as part of the university’s “Legends of the Roar” campaign—an initiative to immortalize athletes who elevated Penn State athletics to national prominence. Crafted by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, the eight-foot monument depicts Arrington mid-leap, helmet raised, eyes locked on his target—capturing the moment that defined his mythos and mesmerized college football fans across the nation.
“This isn’t just a statue—it’s a symbol of what it means to be a Nittany Lion,” said Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft during the press conference. “LaVar’s ferocity on the field was matched only by his leadership, integrity, and love for the game. He inspired a generation, and his legacy deserves to stand forever in front of Beaver Stadium.”
Arrington, visibly emotional as he stood before a model of the statue, expressed gratitude for the honor. “When I came to Penn State, I came to be part of something bigger than myself. This place made me, shaped me. To know I’ll be standing here for generations of Lions to see—words can’t explain it. This is for every teammate, every coach, and every fan who believed in me.”
The unveiling is scheduled for September 6, 2025, during the halftime ceremony of Penn State’s home opener against West Virginia. The date is no coincidence—Arrington recorded his first collegiate sack against the Mountaineers in 1997.
Beyond the statue, the university plans to establish the “Arrington Impact Fund,” a scholarship initiative supporting student-athletes from underserved communities. In true LaVar fashion, it’s not just about how hard you hit—but how deeply you give back.
As the roar returns to Happy Valley this fall, one of its fiercest voices will now echo forever in bronze. A lion in life, LaVar Arrington now stands immortal—guardian of the pride.
