For Michael Mauti, deciding to return to Penn State wasn’t difficult. A former standout at the university, Mauti made a significant impact during his college football career. Now, with his playing days behind him, the former Big Ten Linebacker of the Year is set to continue making an impact off the field.
At the ninth annual Mid Penn Bank Celebrity Golf Classic at Hershey Country Club, Mauti spoke with PennLive about his new role at Penn State. Hired in May as the school’s Associate Director of Development, Mauti is back in State College for the upcoming season.
“It’s a place I’ve always loved,” Mauti shared. “I’m passionate about it and I’ve always wanted Penn State football to win, so I decided to be a part of that.”
Mauti’s college career saw him achieve First-team All-American status in 2012. Drafted 213th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, he played for the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints from 2013-2017, recording 72 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack, and a defensive touchdown.
In his new role, Mauti won’t be disrupting opposing offenses but will instead focus on fundraising and community engagement for Penn State.
“Right now we’re working with the Nittany Lion Club and fundraising,” Mauti explained. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, including a big project with the new stadium renovations. There are exciting things happening, and we need to improve.”
Penn State’s board of trustees approved a $700 million renovation for Beaver Stadium on May 21 with a 26-2 vote, with three abstentions.
Mauti will also be collaborating with former college teammate Jordan Hill. Hill, a Super Bowl XLVIII champion with the Seattle Seahawks, was recently hired as Penn State’s Director of Advancement. Hill previously served as head football coach at Trinity High School, where Mauti was an assistant coach.
“We’ve been working together,” Mauti said of Hill. “We get to see each other on campus, which is very cool.”
The Nittany Lions begin their season at West Virginia on August 31 before hosting Bowling Green on September 7. Their Whiteout game is scheduled for November 9 against Washington, among other themed home games.
As the season progresses, Mauti will be actively involved in his new role, contributing to the program he holds dear.
“My decision to come to Penn State definitely changed the course of my life,” Mauti reflected. “The relationships I have here are for life.”
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