The Penn State Nittany Lion is every Penn Stater’s loyal companion and biggest cheerleader. With a pioneering heart and the unstoppable "We Are" spirit, the symbol of our best inspires unity, pride, and a drive to do things that truly make a difference — on campus and far beyond.

From high-fives and spirited dance moves to energizing every corner of campus, the Nittany Lion’s enthusiasm brings joy, motivation, and pride to every Penn Stater’s story. Rooted in tradition and driven by pride, the Nittany Lion stands tall — not to show off but to show up, with a quiet confidence — ready to face challenges head-on and leap into every opportunity with both feet.

Strong in values and bold in imagination, the Nittany Lion embraces adventure and playfulness, never afraid to be witty, warm, or wonderfully unexpected. The heart of the Nittany Lion dreams boldly, approaches new challenges with creativity aimed at the future, and carries the pride of the Blue and White into every roar.

Personal: 

Born: April 20^th 1904

Parents: Ma and Pa Lion (Allen Street Gates)

Weight: Depends – before or after stadium chicken baskets 

Height: Exactly 6 feet of school spirit, 7’ if you count the ears.  

Eye Color: Intense

City and State: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania 

Alma Mater: Penn State 

Major: Every. Single. One.

Scarf Length: Classified 

Fun Facts: 

• Terrifies opponents with just a head tilt.
• Wardrobe: fuzzy brown fur and a scarf that says, “Cozy and classy.”
• Flexes harder than a midterm curve.
• Commands 107,000 fans—without saying a word.
• Does one-arm push-ups like a pro, even under pressure.
• Once stole the spotlight from the drumline… with a cowbell.
• Somehow always knows exactly when you need a high-five.
• Pops up in more selfies than most influencers.
• Lives by a “no bad day” rule—especially on game day.

The idea for Penn State’s beloved Nittany Lion mascot was formed on April 20, 1904, when the Penn State baseball team was facing its toughest opponent — Princeton — on the road. As Penn State players were escorted into their rival’s gymnasium, a member of opposing team proclaimed, “See our emblem, the Princeton Tiger, the fiercest beast of them all.”

At the time, Penn State did not have a mascot. Thinking quickly on his feet in an attempt to intimidate the opposition, Penn State third-baseman Harrison “Joe” Mason responded, “Well, up at Penn State we have Mount Nittany right on our campus, where rules the Nittany Mountain Lion, who has never been beaten in a fair fight. So, Princeton Tiger, look out!” 

After Mason wrote a piece in The Lemon, Penn State’s first humor magazine, urging his fellow Penn Staters to adopt the “Old Nittany Mountain Lion” as the school’s symbol, the Nittany Lion took off.

In the fall of 1921, for the first time, a student donned a costume — complete with a mane — and crawled on all fours during a football game. Richard Hoffman, Class of 1923, was chosen as the first student to serve as the mascot after he portrayed the king of beasts in a campus theater production of "Androcles and the Lion."

The Penn State mascot would not appear again for 12 years, making its comeback in 1939. That fall, The Daily Collegian began to solicit money to pay for a new lion suit, which took on a look more closely resembling the Nittany Lion we know and love today. 

Since then, its legend has lived on. The individuals who have served as the Lion make up an exclusive group — to date, just 54 students have donned the suit as the official mascot of Penn State.