In the midst of the chaotic college football stories churning out of Penn State, one wholesome storyline has captured the heart of University Park. A former Nittany Lions alum, who was once touted to be a key explosive player in Franklin’s playbook, shared a key life-changing update after he was forced to retire following his sophomore year.
On Wednesday, Landon Tengwall surprised fans with a heartfelt announcement on social media. “Sara has committed to a lifetime of film breakdowns and pregame live shows,” Tengwall shared on X. “Champagne celebration on Saturday’s show 💍❤️” revealing a personal commitment that has Penn State fans drooling over.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After retiring, Tengwall ventured into sports media with his podcast, ‘Behind the Wall,’ and his YouTube channel, ‘Landon Tengwall’s College Football Show.’ Moreover, he further provides his input to the Daily Collegian. As a high school recruit, he was the No. 10 offensive lineman in the Class of 2021. And Penn State topped the list in its offers. Well, the Nittany Lions did recruit him since he was in eighth grade. “I’m so happy I picked it because I don’t think there is a more special football program out there,” he told Onward State.
In his debut game against Rutgers, he tallied 407 yards, and played a total of three games in his freshman year. During his sophomore year, he made five appearances and won the Offensive Player of the Game against the Auburn Tigers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He was touted as a key offensive player in James Franklin’s roster, moving into the 2023 season. James Franklin was proud of his player, saying, Tengwall has a unique perspective on the game of football, and he understands the Penn State brand. The 6’6, 317-pound player was touted to be the starting left guard in the season. During his collegiate football career, he played in eight games.
However, an injury forced him to medically retire. “I decided I wanted to be a great father, a great husband, and a great businessman, all of those one day down the road, and I chose not to put football over that,” he announced soon after. So, what prompted Tengwall to make this decision?
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
Landon Tengwall forced to retire early
Before the 2023 season, Landon Tengwall stepped away from football. After consulting with the medical teams, the retirement bit was his decision. “I said you know I could never live with myself if I went back out there, suffered a concussion like that, and that was like permanent. So, in the end, it was it was truly my decision,” he said on Nittany Sports Now in August 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He might have left football, but the gridiron is still etched into his blood. Even after retiring from Penn State football, he was still pretty much immersed in the locker room. In 2024, a heartwarming gesture from him won the University Park’s heart. Last campaign, Penn State was struggling with its special teams, but Ryan Barker’s entry solved that conundrum. His clutch game-winning kick in overtime against the USC Trojans made him a show stopper at Penn State’s locker room.
“Ryan Barker, a Walk-On Kicker for Penn State Football,” Landon wrote on X. “…nailed the game-winning field goal against USC in an overtime win! Penn State fans.” However, there was a minor hiccup. Barker was an excellent kicker, but he was not a college scholarship recipient, rendering him unable to seek NIL benefits. “I am inviting Ryan on the Behind The Wall Podcast, so Nittany Nation can get to know off the field. Any amount you can donate…”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tangwell, a proud Nittany Lion, always strives to give back to the program. “Penn State will always be my home,” he said per Centre Daily Times. “I will always be a proud Penn State football player.”