Penn State letterman Terry Killens set to make NFL history in Super Bowl: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Jan. 25 include a former Nittany Lion on the cusp of making NFL history plus headlines of the day and more.
It’s time to dive into Thursday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with Terry Killens. The Lions letterman will become the first person in NFL history to both play in and officiate a Super Bowl when he mans the umpire position for the league’s 58th title game. He was on the field and made one tackle, on special teams, during the Tennessee Titans’ loss to the Rams in Super Bowl 34. Now, he’ll be in stripes, and being on a Super Bowl field in those and pads is not the only historic feat he’ll achieve during the game. The former linebacker will also be joining an elite club of referees in the process.
“Umpire Terry Killens and down judge Patrick Holt will be officiating the Super Bowl in their first year of eligibility,” Football Zebras writes. “To work a Super Bowl, an official must have at least 5 years of service. Killens and Holt are each in their 5th season. This is the first time since Super Bowl XXXIX where two 5th-year officials were assigned to the Super Bowl, when Carl Paganelli and Tony Steratore matched that feat.”
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Killens, who was a third-round pick of the Houston Oilers in the 1996 NFL Draft, has previously officiated a wild card round and numerous divisional round games over the last five seasons. He is the only former NFL player on this year’s crew. Penn State will be represented on both participating teams, as well. Defensive end Odafe Oweh, punter Jordan Stout, and the Baltimore Ravens face tackle Donovan Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s AFC title game. And, on the NFC side, defensive tackle Kevin Givens, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, and the San Francisco 49ers will battle fullback Jason Cabinda and the Detroit Lions.
Headlines of the day
Penn State Football Achieved an Attendance Feat in 2023: Wogenrich, SI
Check out Penn State’s expected junior day visitor lists for both Jan. 27 and Feb. 3: Snyder, BWI
Penn State Football Positional Grades: Defensive Line: Jones, Statecollege.com
Recruiting Notes: James Franklin visits top target, priority DE sets up Penn State trip: Fitz, BWI
What Will Penn State’s Offense Look Like in 2024?: Ralph, All Penn State
Penn State winter outlook: What’s in store for the receivers in 2024?: Pickel, BWI
Quote of the day
“We are super excited to work with Luke and help guide him through NIL. Not only is he the top TE in the country for his class, but he is a very charismatic young man with a great support system in place. We are honored to be part of that and look forward to helping him excel on and off the field.”
-Joe Gazza, Inch & Co. Sports president, on signing PSU freshman tight end Luke Reynolds for NIL representation.
