ESPN REPORT: Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for LSU Tigers Football: Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Fame LSU Legends Give Back to Their Alma Mater, Creating Lasting Opportunities for the Future
In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the LSU football community, former LSU Tigers legends Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae revealed a multi-million dollar endowment designed to provide long-term financial support for the university’s football program. Both Faulk and Mawae, who have etched their names into LSU’s storied football history, are giving back to the program that helped shape their careers and set them on the path to greatness.
Faulk, a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most respected running backs in NFL history, and Mawae, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, have each experienced exceptional success in their respective careers, both on the field and beyond. Now, they are using their resources, influence, and personal ties to LSU to ensure that future generations of Tigers can continue to thrive. This substantial endowment will benefit the football program in numerous ways, from supporting scholarships to improving facilities, and ultimately fostering a culture of excellence within LSU football.
Kevin Faulk’s name is synonymous with LSU football greatness. The Baton Rouge native was a standout running back for the Tigers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming the focal point of LSU’s offense. Faulk’s time at LSU was marked by his explosiveness on the field, his ability to make plays in crucial moments, and his leadership within the locker room. Over the course of his college career, he became LSU’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the best to ever wear the Tigers’ uniform.
Faulk’s success at LSU didn’t just translate to the college level. In 1999, he was drafted by the New England Patriots, where he would go on to have a storied career. As a key member of the Patriots’ offense for over a decade, Faulk’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a versatile and valuable player. His contributions helped the Patriots win three Super Bowl titles, and his performance in the 2001 Super Bowl earned him the coveted Super Bowl MVP award.
Despite the bright lights of the NFL, Faulk has always remained deeply connected to his roots in Baton Rouge and LSU. He frequently speaks about the significant impact LSU had on his life, both as a student-athlete and as a person. His decision to establish the endowment is rooted in his desire to give back to the institution that helped him achieve his dreams and to ensure that future Tigers will have the same opportunities for success that he had.
Kevin Mawae’s football journey is equally legendary, albeit in a different position. A native of Louisiana, Mawae’s impact at LSU was immense during his time as a Tiger, and his journey to NFL stardom is one that reflects his exceptional work ethic and leadership on and off the field. As a standout center for LSU, Mawae was known for his exceptional blocking abilities, his intelligence, and his unwavering dedication to the game. These traits earned him a reputation as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in college football.
Mawae’s talents carried over to the NFL, where he played 16 seasons, most notably with the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. Over the course of his illustrious career, Mawae earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s. His leadership and tenacity made him one of the most respected figures in the NFL during his playing days, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 was a testament to his legacy.
Despite his long and successful career away from Louisiana, Mawae has remained a strong advocate for his alma mater. His ties to LSU run deep, and he has consistently expressed gratitude for the education, coaching, and experience he gained while playing for the Tigers. Mawae’s decision to join Faulk in this monumental endowment is not just about contributing financially but about ensuring that LSU football remains a national contender for years to come.
Faulk and Mawae’s decision to establish this multi-million dollar endowment comes at a time when college athletics are increasingly driven by financial contributions from alumni and supporters. As the NCAA and college football have evolved, the financial resources required to remain competitive have grown significantly. In particular, the SEC—home to LSU—has become a powerhouse conference with schools continually investing in state-of-the-art facilities, top-tier coaching staffs, and cutting-edge training programs.
The endowment created by Faulk and Mawae will provide LSU football with the means to stay competitive and build upon the legacy of success that has defined the program for decades. This financial support will help fund scholarships for student-athletes, ensuring that LSU can continue to attract the brightest and most talented players from across the country. By bolstering recruitment efforts, the program will be able to bring in athletes who possess the skill, character, and determination to contribute to the Tigers’ tradition of excellence.
Additionally, the endowment will be used to enhance the team’s facilities and infrastructure, helping LSU remain on the cutting edge of college football. From locker rooms to training facilities, improving the environment in which players practice and train will provide them with the tools they need to succeed at the highest level. Whether it’s new technology, improved weight rooms, or enhanced medical facilities, the endowment ensures that LSU football will continue to have access to top-tier resources that foster growth and development.
The lasting impact of Faulk and Mawae’s endowment cannot be overstated. LSU has long been a top contender in college football, with the program producing numerous NFL stars and earning national championships. The football program at LSU is one of the most prestigious in the country, and this endowment will ensure that the Tigers remain at the forefront of the sport for years to come.
One of the key areas where this endowment will make a significant difference is in the recruitment of top-tier talent. The world of college football recruiting has become increasingly competitive, with programs across the country vying for the best players. With this financial backing, LSU will be able to offer additional scholarships, making it an even more attractive destination for high school athletes. This ensures that LSU will continue to be able to field competitive teams capable of challenging for national championships year after year.
Moreover, the endowment will also help attract some of the best coaching talent in the country. While head coach Brian Kelly has already begun to establish his own legacy at LSU, the program’s continued success will depend on surrounding him with world-class assistants and support staff. The financial resources from this endowment will allow LSU to invest in coaching and staff development, ensuring that the team remains competitive on the recruiting trail and on the field.
For both Faulk and Mawae, the decision to give back to LSU isn’t just about football; it’s about ensuring the future success of the university and its students. Both athletes have spoken frequently about how much LSU shaped them, not just as athletes but as people. They understand the importance of education and the role that sports can play in shaping the lives of young people.
This endowment represents an investment in the next generation of LSU students, athletes, and leaders. It’s a commitment to providing future Tigers with the same opportunities that Faulk and Mawae had to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life. The financial support provided by this endowment will allow LSU to continue its tradition of developing well-rounded student-athletes who are prepared to succeed both on and off the field.
The creation of this endowment also underscores the lasting bond between LSU and its alumni. Faulk and Mawae are just two examples of how LSU’s football program has had a lasting impact on its players. Now, they are using their success and resources to ensure that future generations of LSU football players will have the same opportunities to succeed. Their philanthropic contributions represent the importance of alumni giving back to the school that helped shape their futures.
Faulk and Mawae’s multi-million dollar endowment is also a testament to the growing role that philanthropy plays in modern college sports. As programs compete for top talent and strive to provide the best possible experience for student-athletes, financial contributions from alumni, boosters, and supporters have become essential. This endowment is part of a larger trend where former players, coaches, and fans recognize the importance of investing in the future of college athletics.
Philanthropy in college sports allows programs to maintain a competitive edge and continue their tradition of excellence. For LSU football, this endowment is a critical piece of that puzzle. It will enable the program to stay ahead of the curve in terms of recruiting, facilities, and overall program development. Furthermore, the generosity of Faulk and Mawae demonstrates a commitment to the future of LSU football, ensuring that the program remains competitive on the national stage for years to come.
Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae’s announcement of a multi-million dollar endowment for LSU football is a game-changing moment for the program and a shining example of alumni giving back to their alma mater. These two legends of LSU football are ensuring that future generations of Tigers will have the resources and opportunities to continue the tradition of excellence that they helped build.
With this endowment, LSU’s football program is poised to continue its legacy of success, attracting top talent, providing world-class facilities, and preparing the next generation of student-athletes for success both on and off the field. As Faulk and Mawae continue to make an impact in their post-playing careers, their dedication to LSU and its football program will resonate for years to come.
