BREAKING: WVU Legend Steve Slaton Turns Down $25M Penn State Endorsement for Loyalty to Mountaineers
In an era where loyalty often takes a back seat to luxury, former West Virginia University football legend Steve Slaton just reminded the sports world that legacy means more than money.
Sources close to Slaton confirmed Monday that the former Mountaineer running back turned down a staggering $25 million endorsement deal from archrival Penn State, opting instead for a $20 million agreement to serve as the official ambassador of West Virginia University Athletics, a position he called “the highest honor of my career.”
The Penn State offer, reportedly brokered by a consortium of university boosters and a major athletic apparel brand, would have included a line of signature products, national media appearances, and a prominent presence at Penn State athletic events. Slaton, now 39, considered the offer for several weeks before issuing his definitive statement:
> “Money talks, but Mountaineer blood runs deeper. I didn’t grind on those snowy Morgantown fields for a paycheck. I did it for pride. I did it for West Virginia.”
The endorsement tug-of-war set off a media firestorm. Rumors swirled last week when Slaton was spotted near State College, fueling speculation that he might be swayed by the jaw-dropping financial figures. But insiders now confirm the visit was strictly out of courtesy—and curiosity. “He heard them out,” said one source. “But his heart never left Morgantown.”
Slaton’s decision to return to West Virginia in an official capacity has electrified the WVU community. Under his new ambassadorial role, Slaton will serve as a mentor to student-athletes, represent the university in national campaigns, and spearhead an upcoming “Mountaineer Legacy” initiative aimed at reconnecting former WVU athletes with current programs.
University President Dr. Kenneth Grantham released a statement praising Slaton’s commitment:
> “Steve Slaton has always been more than a football icon. He’s a Mountaineer in every sense of the word—resilient, principled, and proud. Today, he reminded us that greatness is about more than numbers on a contract. It’s about heart.”
Slaton first made headlines as a sophomore in 2005, rushing for 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns, including a legendary performance in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Over three seasons, he amassed over 3,900 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns, becoming one of the most decorated players in WVU history.
By rejecting the blue and white for the gold and blue, Slaton has reignited one of college football’s most storied rivalries. Penn State fans have reacted with a mix of outrage and respect, while WVU supporters have flooded social media with the hashtag #SlatonStays.
In a world where athletes chase endorsements and universities market loyalty as a brand, Steve Slaton’s choice feels like something rare: genuine.
> “I gave my blood, my sweat, and my soul to WVU,” Slaton said at a press conference in Morgantown. “Why would I ever wear another jersey?”
Not for $25 million. Not for anything.
