Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins was inspired by his father to help others

Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins still feels that joy and hears his youthful laughter as he recalls the vivid memory of his late father rocking him and his sister on a snug blanket.

“We were so little and he was so huge,” Dawkins said of his father Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins, who has been replaced at 6’1″ and weighing over 250 kilos in his 14 years within the NBA. “He wrapped us around and spun us around with one arm.”

And when the gregarious Darryl Dawkins, known for smashing boards and naming your dunks, he didn’t make his kids laugh, he showed enough examples of selflessness in shows like He cares concerning the NBA to make a long-lasting impression nine years after his death in 2015.

On Saturday, Dawkins will help lead No. 4 Penn State (11-1) to the Big Ten championship game against No. 1 Oregon (12-0). The inspiration from his father not only helped Dawkins turn into a starting center for the Nittany Lions, but those early lessons led to his ongoing service.

He would not have it every other way.

“I remember how my dad made people smile at these events and how much they liked him,” Dawkins said. “(Volunteering) gives me fulfillment. I know this is my calling. This is my goal.”

Volunteering was an on a regular basis occurrence within the Dawkins family. Dawkins’ uncle, Mitchell Dawkins Sr., a pastor for twenty-four years, ran an outreach program within the Orlando, Florida, area. After my uncle died, the church and the outreach program collapsed. Dawkins joined forces with his cousin Mitchell Dawkins II and altered the name Mitchell L. Dawkins Outreach Ministry to Dawkins Family Foundation in 2023

Perfect moment.

“Prayers have been answered,” said Mitchell Dawkins, vice chairman of the muse. “My mother was the director of an aid program, but for health reasons she couldn’t perform these duties. While I was trying to figure all of it out, Nick walked up to me.

The foundation supports youth education and athletics, and likewise provides students with backpacks and faculty supplies. He also organizes educational workshops, events and fundraisers within the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, where Dawkins grew up. The foundation awards three college scholarships in honor of every of the Dawkins brothers (Darryl, Mitchell and Chico).

“These three were extremely influential in the community and were always doing things together for the community,” said Dawkins, the muse’s president. “So we wanted to honor them and commemorate their impact through education.”

The foundation also helped beyond traditional support. During Christmas last 12 months, Dawkins learned that a mother and her two children needed blankets and air mattresses after a fireplace destroyed their home. He didn’t hesitate to fulfill their requests.

“It was the holiday season and these kids just wanted something to sleep in,” Dawkins said. “As a child, I couldn’t imagine not wanting to have toys, so we provided coats, blankets, air mattresses and anything we could to make their lives easier over the Christmas period.”

Dawkins’ support doesn’t end with his foundation. He served as president of Penn State’s Uplifting Athletes chapter, which raises funds for rare disease research. He chaired the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of Penn State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Group. He won Penn State’s 2023 Public Service Award and the Letterman’s Club Scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating senior. He participates in PALS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a youth mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Everyone has to find their purpose, and the fact that things are producing results and being able to have an impact on them gives me a sense of purpose,” Dawkins said. “I feel fulfilled. I feel excited. I feel comfortable because I know this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Dawkins never questioned whether he belonged at Penn State. In previous seasons, Dawkins sat behind Juice Scruggs and Hunter Nourzad, now within the NFL. He remained with the Nittany Lions despite not becoming a starter until his fifth season.

“I stayed because I gave coach (James) Franklin my word that I would come here and get my diploma and master’s degree,” Dawkins said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and tourism management and is pursuing a master’s degree in organizational development and fundamentals of change. “And I even have rather a lot invested on this community, on this school and in my brothers on this team. A transfer could be unthinkable for me.

Earlier this season, Franklin told the media that Dawkins was an excellent example to many players within the football program.

“. . . If you keep a really good attitude and work hard and prepare, at some point an opportunity will come and you have to take it,” Franklin said. “I’m pleased with him.”

Dawkins is certainly one of the leaders on an offensive line that ranks seventh nationally in sacks allowed (11) and twenty fifth in rushing average (194.7 yards). Left tackle Drew Shelton credits Dawkins for O-line success.

“Nick is a great leader and has a very powerful voice in our locker room,” Shelton said. “He’s the type of guy who keeps everyone focused on the main task. I expect the same from Nick next weekend.”

Dawkins’ pre-game routine can be expected. Dawkins had been watching him since highschool YouTube highlights his father. Darryl Dawkins was chosen fifth overall within the 1975 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the primary highschool player taken in the primary round of the draft. The charismatic center dunked with such force that the league fell into the trap of breaking rims and required backboards to be shatterproof.

“The first time I watched one of his pre-game videos, I had a great game,” said Dawkins, who wears No. 53 in honor of his father, who wore the identical number within the NBA. “I’m very superstitious, so I thought I had a good game because I watched one of his videos. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

After his college season ends, the 6-foot-1, 298-pound Dawkins hopes to fulfill his NFL aspirations. He will evaluate his status and judge whether he’ll return to school or declare for the NFL draft.

Dawkins is certainly one of three finalists, together with Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser and Washington State kicker Dean Janikowski, for the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact and inspires higher service on this planet. On December 12, the winner shall be announced on ESPN. The winner will join Danny Wuerffel on the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York on December 14.

“It’s really nice to be recognized for doing something for the community, but obviously that’s not why we do it,” Dawkins said. “I know my dad would be proud of me, but he would say it’s a family business. We help people and try to make them feel good about themselves.”