While it doesn't come paired with a fan theme, Penn State football's THON game tradition is more than just one Saturday of the college football regular season.
In 1973, former IFC present Bill Lear suggested raising money for pediatric cancer via a dance marathon. The first event lasted 30 hours and 78 dancers raised over $2,000. Four years later, Four Diamonds became THON's beneficiary and the Nittany Lion student body has celebrated and raised money for the cause annually ever since. The first time Penn State hit six figures in donations was in 1983 with $131,182 raised, and under 10 years later, students hit the $1 million mark.
THON became the world's largest student-run philanthropy. Early in the calendar year, the university hosts THON Weekend, which includes a 46-hour dance marathon that groups across Penn State participate in. The Nittany Lions don't stop at the two-day event, though. THON is a year-long fundraising effort, and Penn State football dedicates a regular season game to the cause.
Penn State football celebrating the THON community
Sept. 7, 2024 was the first THON football game the Nittany Lions held. Players and coaches wore gold ribbons, including gold ribbon helmet stickers to spread awareness about children's cancer. Penn State won its first THON game, beating Bowling Green 34-27.
In 2025, the blue and white brought it back and designated the THON football game to their contest vs. FIU on Sept. 6, which they won 34-0. The game included a halftime performance showcasing Four Diamonds families holding signs that spelled out "Go State Beat Cancer." Nine-year-old Harrison Fischman was honored as the game's "Kickoff Kid" as well.
Over 10,000 Nittany Lion fans come to Beaver Stadium to support their team and Four Diamonds. The dedicated game will more than likely return for 2026, helping raise more awareness and continue supporting Penn State and THON's mission. Over THON Weekend in 2026, the school raised a record-breaking $18,841,726.53 for pediatric cancer.
THON in the NFL: My Cause, My Cleats
The Penn State tradition sticks with students and players alike as alumni. Former Nittany Lions who have gone onto the NFL continue supporting Four Diamonds and For The Kids®.
During the 10th annual "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign, 10 former players decided to show support for THON. During this campaign, players sport special cleats on game day that represent a meaningful cause to each individual on the field.
In 2025, Jahan Dotson, Tanner McKee, Ty Robinson, Olu Fashanu, DaQuan Jones, Yetur Gross-Matos, Chris Stoll, Jordan Stout, Mitchell Tinsley, and Tyler Warren all wore cleats designed to support THON and the fight against childhood cancer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google