ESPN Report: Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for LSU Tigers Football

In a monumental moment for LSU Tigers football, two legendary figures in the program’s storied history, Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae, have teamed up to announce a transformative, multi-million-dollar endowment aimed at securing the future of the football program at LSU. The partnership, which has set the LSU sports world abuzz, represents not only a financial commitment but also a long-term vision for success both on and off the field.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the LSU Football Operations Building, where Faulk and Mawae were joined by LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, head coach Brian Kelly, and a host of former players and supporters. Faulk, a revered running back for LSU who went on to enjoy a successful career in the NFL with the New England Patriots, and Mawae, an NFL Hall of Famer and former LSU offensive lineman, outlined their collective vision for how the endowment would help elevate LSU’s football program to new heights.

“This isn’t just about giving back to LSU,” said Faulk during the announcement. “It’s about ensuring that the next generation of players has everything they need to succeed—not just as athletes, but as individuals who will go on to make a mark on the world, both on and off the field.”

Mawae echoed those sentiments, highlighting the program’s rich history and the role that LSU football has played in shaping the lives of many former players, including himself. “When I came to LSU, I never imagined the impact the program would have on my life. Now, it’s our turn to give back and help create even more opportunities for the next group of Tigers. This endowment is about creating a legacy of success that lasts for decades.”

The financial impact of the endowment, estimated at over $20 million, will be directed toward several key areas, all with the goal of ensuring that LSU’s football program remains a powerhouse in college football for years to come.

Player Development and Resources: A significant portion of the endowment will be allocated toward the development of LSU’s student-athletes, with funds directed toward strength and conditioning programs, nutrition, and mental health resources. With the demands of modern college football growing, LSU is committed to ensuring that its players are well-equipped to handle the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that come with competing at the highest level.
Coaching and Staff Enhancements: The endowment will also provide a boost to the coaching staff, including recruiting efforts, continuing education for coaches, and the expansion of the football operations department. This includes funding for advanced technologies and analytics, which have become an integral part of recruiting, training, and in-game strategy. By enhancing coaching resources, the Tigers hope to attract top-tier talent both in the recruiting world and among coaching staff members.
Facilities Upgrades: Another area where the endowment will have a transformative impact is in the renovation and upgrading of LSU’s football facilities. With college football’s arms race in facilities continuing to escalate, LSU’s investment in state-of-the-art training rooms, locker rooms, and meeting spaces will keep the Tigers competitive in both recruiting and player development.
Scholarships and Academic Support: A portion of the endowment will go toward academic scholarships and support programs for student-athletes. With rising tuition costs and the ever-growing academic demands on athletes, ensuring that LSU’s football players receive a top-tier education has never been more important. The endowment will also support programs designed to help student-athletes transition to life after football, equipping them with skills for success beyond their playing days.
Community Outreach and Legacy Building: Faulk and Mawae emphasized that the endowment is about more than just improving the football team; it’s about ensuring that LSU football continues to be a positive force in the Baton Rouge community and beyond. As part of the initiative, the Tigers will expand their community outreach programs, with former players and coaches serving as mentors for young athletes in the area. This will foster a sense of unity and pride that transcends the football field and has a lasting impact on the state of Louisiana.

While the financial commitment is certainly impressive, the involvement of Faulk and Mawae is equally significant in terms of the legacy and impact this endowment will have. Both players were central figures in the golden era of LSU football during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and their leadership and success in the NFL have made them iconic figures in the history of the program.

Faulk, who starred as LSU’s all-time leading rusher and was a key part of the team’s success in the 1990s, noted that his connection to the program runs deep. “LSU gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams, and I’m proud to be in a position now to give back to the place that made it all possible. This endowment is about securing a bright future for LSU football, and I’m excited to be part of that,” he said.

Mawae, who played a pivotal role as LSU’s center and went on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career with the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, also expressed his enthusiasm about the future of the program. “I never could have imagined the success I would have at LSU and in the NFL, but I’ll always remember the lessons I learned as a Tiger,” Mawae said. “We’re committed to helping LSU continue to grow and succeed, and we hope this endowment plays a key role in that process.”

The announcement of this endowment couldn’t have come at a better time for head coach Brian Kelly, who is entering his third year at LSU. After leading the Tigers to an SEC Championship appearance in 2023, Kelly’s vision for the future of LSU football aligns perfectly with the goals of the endowment.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Kevin Faulk and Kevin Mawae for their leadership and commitment to LSU football,” said Kelly. “This endowment is a game-changer. It provides our players and coaches with the resources we need to compete at the highest level, and it ensures that LSU will continue to be a force in college football for years to come.”

Kelly also emphasized the importance of player development, stating that the endowment’s focus on enhancing the player experience—both on and off the field—was key to the program’s future success. “We want to not only win championships but also prepare our student-athletes for life after football. This endowment will allow us to continue to do both at an elite level.”

This multi-million-dollar endowment is part of a broader trend across college athletics, as former players, boosters, and supporters increasingly step up to fund programs that provide long-term sustainability for their alma maters. Faulk and Mawae’s commitment is emblematic of the close-knit nature of LSU football, where former players often return to give back and ensure the program’s continued success.

By creating an endowment that will support both immediate needs and future aspirations, Faulk and Mawae are laying the groundwork for a program that can thrive well into the future. The endowment is also a clear message to LSU’s competitors that the Tigers are committed to being at the forefront of college football, both in terms of success on the field and support for their athletes.

The endowment from Faulk and Mawae follows a growing tradition of former LSU players giving back to the program. Notable alumni, including former quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, have made substantial donations to LSU’s athletic programs in recent years, creating a culture of giving back that continues to strengthen the university’s athletic department.

Additionally, LSU’s “Forever LSU” campaign, which was launched several years ago, has helped generate millions of dollars in donations from alumni and fans, funding everything from academic scholarships to facility upgrades.

This culture of support has been integral to LSU’s success and remains a key factor in ensuring that the program remains competitive on a national scale. With the addition of Faulk and Mawae’s endowment, LSU football is poised to continue its tradition of excellence, maintaining its position as one of the elite programs in college football.

As LSU continues to build on its past success and prepare for the challenges ahead, the impact of this multi-million-dollar endowment will reverberate throughout the program for years to come. With player development, facilities upgrades, and academic support all receiving significant boosts, the Tigers are primed to continue their pursuit of championships in the SEC and beyond.

For Faulk and Mawae, this announcement is just the beginning of a larger effort to ensure that LSU football remains a beacon of success and a source of pride for the entire state of Louisiana. With a deep love for their alma mater and an unwavering commitment to the future of the program, Faulk and Mawae are setting a powerful example for the next generation of Tigers.

As LSU football looks ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, there’s no doubt that this multi-million-dollar endowment will play a key role in ensuring the program remains a powerhouse for years to come.