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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penn State Football Legend and CFB Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington Partners with Happy Valley United NIL Collective to Launch HVU On Demand

Exclusive content will be produced in partnership with Arrington’s “Up On Game” Network.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (Aug. 31, 2023) — Happy Valley United, the official NIL collective of Penn State Athletics, joins legendary College Football Hall of Fame linebacker LaVar Arrington to launch Happy Valley United On Demand – a new platform that will unlock original video content, authentic podcasts, exclusive news and more to all members of the collective. The content will be produced by Arrington’s nationally syndicated “Up On Game” network.  

“Our goal is to deliver interviews, documentaries, podcasts and articles from and about Penn State student-athletes directly to the growing member base of Happy Valley United,” said Arrington. “NIL is a new way for the entire Nittany Nation to get behind and support their favorite teams and student-athletes. With HVU On Demand fans can become members of the collective, support student-athletes, and feel good knowing their contribution is the key to success.”   

A second overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Arrington played for the Washington Commanders from 2000-05 and then for the New York Giants in 2006. Following his NFL career, Arrington has become a well-known face in the broadcasting world co-hosting various shows on FOX Sports Radio and TV, as well as producing original content in the “Up On Game” network.   

Two new podcasts will kick off the series of exclusive content available to members on HVU On Demand. The first, Quite Franklin with LaVar Arrington will feature weekly interviews during the football season with Penn State head football coach James Franklin. Arrington and Franklin will discuss the upcoming game and other topic-related insights on Penn State Football. The second podcast, WE ARE Ki and Juice, will feature Penn State lettermen Ki-Jana Carter and O.J. McDuffie hosting a lively and thought-provoking analysis of the weekly football games and a preview of upcoming games. Additional podcasts and interviews will be revealed for fall and winter sports with other Penn State student-athletes and staff in the coming months.    

“I am thrilled to work with LaVar and Happy Valley United to find creative ways to support NIL opportunities for our team and bring fans closer to the action,” said Franklin. “Fans have long supported LaVar and what he and others have done to make Penn State football what it is today. We are grateful for his continued support in this new era of college athletics.”    

Fans and supporters who join the Happy Valley United collective as members will receive access to HVU On Demand through their member portal on the website. In addition, members also receive branded merchandise, invitations to exclusive events with student-athletes, and more. The latest news and thoughtful behind-the-scenes insights about Nittany Lions sports, will be provided by Basic Blues Nation (BBN). Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is a student and alumni owned and operated credentialed outlet covering all Penn State athletics.  

“LaVar has been an incredible supporter of Penn State for many years and his passion shows in his desire to support the NIL efforts for every team throughout the athletic program,” said Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “Continued support from lettermen and engaged alumni will be imperative to succeed in the NIL landscape.”  

As part of the launch of HVU On Demand, members who join the collective from Aug. 31 until the end of the football season will get a chance to win one of two brand new Traeger Grills. The partnership with Traeger provides an additional perk to an already robust series of offerings for Penn State fans.  

To learn more about this new initiative, visit happyvalleyunited.com  

ABOUT HAPPY VALLEY UNITED  

Happy Valley United (HVU) is the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting 800-plus student-athletes at Penn State. Supporters, fans, and alumni who commit their support to HVU are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and engage with the community. There are various ways to get involved, including corporate partnerships, memberships, and charitable contributions. HVU is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information about NIL partnerships with Penn State student-athletes, visit https://happyvalleyunited.com/   

ABOUT UP ON GAME NETWORK 

Up On Game Network is a full-service production and marketing company known for its expertise in delivering captivating content and comprehensive brand strategies. By harnessing creativity, technology, and industry knowledge, Up On Game Network helps clients succeed in today’s competitive landscape. For more information, please visit www.UpOnGame.network 

Media Contacts 

Alexis Yoder alexis@happyvalleyunited.com 

Brandon McCladdiebrandon@happyvalleyunited.com  

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Nate Brown

General Manager

Nate Brown is the General Manager of Zags Collective, leading the charge to help amplify the opportunities for the Gonzaga student-athletes through NIL partnerships with local charities, fans and businesses. With over a decade of experience in the professional sports industry and as a former business owner in Spokane, Nate is a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to succeed. Most recently, he served as the National Sales Director for a prominent west-coast real estate company, where he was responsible for driving growth and retention. With a deep understanding of sales and marketing, Nate brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and is always seeking innovative ways to drive revenue and create partnerships.With a passion for ensuring the success of student-athletes both on and off the field, Nate is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to keep Gonzaga competitive on the national stage. He understands the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the community and local businesses, and works to maximize opportunities for Gonzaga’s student-athletes. As the son of two Gonzaga alumni, including a father who was a baseball pitcher and also a coach for the school, Nate has a great connection to the university and a passion for ensuring its continued success. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with family, including his wife Jessica and their 16-year-old daughter Brooklynn and 12-year-old son Marcus. When not working or spending time with family, you can find Nate at any one of the amazing golf courses in Spokane, honing his swing!

Mike Smith

General Manager

Mike Smith joined Micconope 1851 in March 2023 and is excited to be the General Manager and looks forward to working with Blueprint Sports increase NIL revenue generation for Florida State University student-athletes. Smith comes to Micconope 1851 from Catawba College where he held the title as the Senior Director of Athletics, Development. Prior to working in Athletics at Catawba College, Mike served as the Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at Charleston Southern University. Smith has an impressive background in the collegiate athletics industry, having held senior level development and corporate sponsorship sales roles at The University of Southern Mississippi, Limestone University, the Sun Belt Conference, Florida Atlantic University, and with multimedia rights-holders Tele South Communications at the University of Mississippi, Learfield Sports at UNC Chapel Hill, and with International Sports Properties at Georgia Tech. Smith is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and holds a master’s degree in Business Management from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his new role here at Micconppe 1851, Smith will be responsible for raising major gifts for NIL deals as well as securing NIL corporate sponsorships for Florida State University student-athletes. Mike looks forward to helping ensure the FSU student-athletes have the resources and leadership opportunities to remain competitive nationally and positioned for success well beyond graduation. Mike is married to Katy Smith; the couple looks forward to relocating to Tallahassee, Florida, and becoming a part of the Micconope 1851 and Seminole family!

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