Penn State fan pays large sum of money to run out of tunnel with USC in Nittany Lions gear
When USC ran out of the tunnel for Saturday’s game against Penn State, someone was wearing navy blue and white amid the sea of cardinal. That’s because a Nittany Lions fan paid a large sum of money to do so.
The fan – named Jordan Mott – graduated from Penn State in 2013 and paid $1,800 for the experience. It’s part of a program USC runs that allows fans to run out of the tunnel with the Trojans, ranging from $1,450 to $1,800. He also posted the video on Instagram.
According to USC’s website, a fan who participates in the “Run With the Team” experience can be escorted onto the field 60 minutes before kickoff with a guest to hear the band and walk around. Then, they will be able to run out of the tunnel.
Mott spoke with The Athletic’s Audrey Snyder about why he decided to run out of the tunnel with USC and said it started as a joke. Although he ended up paying the money, he said it was worth every penny for the story to tell.
“I don’t think about my $1,800 bucks helping Lincoln Riley,” Mott told Snyder. “I think about my $1,800 bucks creating experiences for us that will last a lifetime.”
The video quickly went viral, especially considering Penn State held on to defeat USC in overtime at The Coliseum that day. The Trojans wore their cardinal jerseys with gold pants that day, but Mott was in the middle of the pack with a navy blue tanktop and Nittany Lions hat running alongside them.
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There was nothing in the guidelines about wearing USC gear or being a fan of the Trojans to participate. However, after the incident, USC apparently added a line about wearing Trojans gear to participate and the athletics department “reserves the right to remove individuals who are not compliant.”
As for what the reaction was from the players around him, Mott said – unsurprisingly – some seemed confused. His wife was with him, as well, and noticed the looks they got.
“I think some of them were confused,” Mott said. “At one point I looked at Claire, my wife, and was like I think they want to punch us. I don’t wanna get punched by them. They’re very big people.”
It set the table for quite a day for the two Penn State fans. The Nittany Lions defeated USC in overtime thanks to a 36-yard field goal from Ryan Barker.