Former Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins has been named the Nittany Lions’ honorary captain for the upcoming Peach Bowl against Ole Miss. The announcement was made on December 26, 2023, highlighting Collins’ significant contributions to Penn State football and his enduring legacy within the sport.
Collins’ tenure at Penn State from 1991 to 1994 was marked by remarkable achievements. As a senior in 1994, he led the Nittany Lions to an impeccable 12-0 season, securing the Big Ten title and a victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. This performance earned the team a No. 2 national ranking. Individually, Collins set a Penn State single-season record with a 66.7% completion rate and amassed 2,679 passing yards and 21 touchdowns that year. His exceptional play garnered him the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, and recognition as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Following his collegiate success, Collins was selected fifth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, becoming the franchise’s inaugural draft pick. Over a 17-year NFL career, he played for six teams, including the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, earning two Pro Bowl selections.
Collins concluded his professional career with over 40,000 passing yards and 208 touchdowns, ranking in the top 20 in NFL history for both categories. In recognition of his collegiate accomplishments, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Peach Bowl, scheduled for December 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, will feature Collins participating in the pre-game coin toss alongside Penn State’s team captains. This role not only honors his past contributions but also serves to inspire current players by connecting them with the program’s storied history. Ole Miss will be represented by their own honorary captain, former wide receiver Donte Moncrief, highlighting the tradition of involving distinguished alumni in such capacities.
Collins’ return as an honorary captain underscores the deep ties between Penn State and its alumni, celebrating the enduring impact of former players on the program’s culture and success. His presence at the Peach Bowl serves as a bridge between past glories and present aspirations, embodying the spirit and tradition of Penn State football.
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