A star offensive lineman for the Penn State Nittany Lions has abruptly announced his retirement amid his struggles with an injury.
The college football season is set to really take off this weekend. But it will likely come across as poignant to Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Landon Tengwall. The redshirt sophomore guard is walking away from football after an injury that had him miss most of the Lions’ training camp this summer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from football,” the player wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, I have sustained an injury that will not allow me to safely continue to play the game I love and that has given me so much.
“I want to thank my family, my friends, Coach Franklin, Coach Trautwein, my teammates and all the Penn State coaches and staff. They have all provided invaluable support through this difficult time.
“Penn State will always be my home. I will always be a proud Penn State football player. Penn State has the greatest fans in the world and I want to thank all of you for supporting me during my time on the field and now in my next chapter.”
Tengwall was one of the top OL recruits in 2021 as he was No. 72 overall on the On3 industry rankings.
He started for Penn State as a redshirt freshman in 2022 before an injury kept him out for the season. The OL was expected to be a starter with the program in 2023 but is now dealing with another injury that has forced him into retirement.
The Nittany Lions are scheduled to play their first game of the season against the West Virginia Mountaineers this Saturday.
