For Penn State, a Hospital Visit Lifts Players From Their 'Football Bubble'

The Lions had not been to Penn State Health Children's Hospital since 2019. 'I think it gives them perspective,' James Franklin said.

HERSHEY, Pa. | Penn State left what one player called the "football bubble" Wednesday for an "inspiring" opportunity to reconnect with the patients and families of Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey. The Lions had not made their annual visit to the hospital since 2019, conducting virtual visits instead during the pandemic. Penn State coach James Franklin felt it was important to return, as did his players, many of whom were making their first visits.

"It definitely adds perspective," offensive line Caedan Wallace said. "I saw people fighting harder battles than I've ever fought. It takes us out of our little football bubble we have in Lasch [the team building]. It's definitely tough but it's inspiring at the same time, because we're doing our thing in Lasch and they're fighting their own fight here. Talking to a couple of the kids, they're a lot braver than us."

Franklin and his players spent time with hospital patients and their families, along with kids from the Four Diamonds and Children's Miracle Network programs, in several settings. Some players visited patients in their rooms, while others signed autographs, drew pictures and played games with kids in the hospital's cafe. Franklin wanted his players to provide smiles while understanding that "a little bit of their time can go a long way in people's lives."

"I think it's great for the community and, most importantly, hopefully it puts a smile on some people's faces here in the hospital dealing with some challenging issues," Franklin said. "I also think it's good for our players. I think it gives them perspective. So a lot of wins here."

WE ARE ... thrilled to welcome @PennStateFball back to Penn State Health Children's Hospital! 🏈 🐾 💙 🤍 💙 Patients, families and staff members gave a warm welcome to the Nittany Lions, who visited with fans of all ages Wednesday at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. pic.twitter.com/vVXmO2fGws

— Penn State Health (@PennStHershey) June 1, 2023

Wallace, a senior, said the younger players making their first visit were outgoing and enthusiastic about the experience. In particular, he watched the team's young quarterbacks, including sophomore Drew Allar, engage with patients and their families.

"They were super hands-on and they really wanted to be around everyone," Wallace said. "That really shows an insight into people's personalities and how they really are."

Defensive end Adisa Isaac, who was part of the team's last visit in 2019, also noted how engaged the younger players were with the experience.

"Seeing the young guys interact with everybody in the hospital was very welcoming and very wholesome," Isaac said.

The Penn State football team gathers for a group photo during a visit to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey :: Mark Wogenrich/AllPennState

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar meets with patients and their families at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey :: Mark Wogenrich/AllPennState

Penn State receiver Kaden Saunders sign an autograph during the team's visit to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey :: Mark Wogenrich/AllPennState

Penn State offensive linemen (from left to right) Nick Dawkins, Anthony Donkoh, Drew Shelton and Golden Israel-Achumba during the team's visit to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey.  :: Mark Wogenrich/AllPennState

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