Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins got inspiration to help others from father — Andscape

Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins still feels the joy and hears his own youthful laughter whenever he reflects on the vivid memory of his late father swinging him and his sister in a cozy throw blanket.

“We were so tiny, and he was so huge,” Dawkins said of his father Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins, who was listed at 6-feet-11 and more than 250 pounds during his 14 years in the NBA. “He’d wrap us up and swing us around with one arm.”

And when the gregarious Darryl Dawkins, known for shattering backboards and naming his dunks, wasn’t making his children laugh, he displayed enough examples of selflessness with programs like NBA Cares to make a lasting impression nine years after his 2015 death.

On Saturday, Dawkins will help lead No. 4 Penn State (11-1) into the Big Ten Championship Game against No. 1 Oregon (12-0). The inspiration from his father not only helped Dawkins become a starting center for the Nittany Lions, but those early lessons led to his continuous acts of service.

He wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I remember how my dad made people smile at those events and how they’d just gravitate to him,” Dawkins said. “[Volunteering] brings me fulfillment. I know this is my calling. This is my purpose.”

Volunteerism has been routine inthe Dawkins family. Dawkins’ late uncle Mitchell Dawkins Sr., a pastor for 24 years, had an outreach program in the Orlando, Florida, area. After his uncle’s death, the church and outreach program folded. Dawkins teamed up with his cousin Mitchell Dawkins II and rebranded the Mitchell L. Dawkins Outreach Ministry as the Dawkins Family Foundation in 2023.

Perfect timing. 

“Prayers were answered,” Mitchell Dawkins, the foundation’s vice president, said. “My mom was the director of the outreach program, but she was unable to carry out those duties because of health issues. While I was trying to figure things out, Nick approached me.”

The foundation supports youth education and athletics and provides backpacks and school supplies to students. It also provides educational workshops, events and fundraisers in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania where Dawkins grew up. The foundation awards three college scholarships in honor of each of the Dawkins brothers (Darryl, Mitchell and Chico).

“Those three were huge in the community, and they were always together doing stuff in the community,” said Dawkins, the foundation’s president. “So, we wanted to honor them and commemorate their impact through education.”

The foundation also assisted beyond its traditional support. During last year’s Christmas holidays, Dawkins learned that a mother and her two children needed blankets and air mattresses after a fire destroyed their home. He didn’t hesitate in fulfilling their requests.

“It was the holiday season and all those kids wanted was something to sleep on,” Dawkins said. “I couldn’t imagine as a kid not wanting some toys, so we provided coats, blankets, air mattresses and everything we could to make it a little easier for them during the holiday season.”

Dawkins’ support doesn’t stop with his foundation. He served as president of Penn State’s chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which raises funds for rare disease research. He chaired the diversity, equity and inclusion committee of Penn State’s student-athlete advisory group. He won Penn State’s Public Service Award in 2023 and the program’s Letterman’s Club Scholarship, awarded annually to a graduate student. He participates in PALS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and mentors youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Everyone has to find their purpose, and to actually see things come to fruition and be able to make an impact gives me a sense of purpose,” Dawkins said. “I feel fulfilled. I feel excited. I feel comfortable because I know this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Dawkins never questioned if he was supposed to be at Penn State. In prior seasons, Dawkins sat behind Juice Scruggs and Hunter Nourzad, now in the NFL. He remained with the Nittany Lions despite not becoming a starter until his fifth season.

“I stayed because I gave coach [James] Franklin my word that I would be here and get my degree and master’s degree,” Dawkins said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and tourism management and is pursuing a graduate degree in organization development and change essentials. “And I had so much investment built into this community, into this school and with my brothers on this team. It would’ve been unfathomable for me to transfer.”

Earlier this season, Franklin told the media how Dawkins is a good example for many players in the football program. 

“. . . if you keep a really good attitude and work hard and prepare yourself, at some point an opportunity is going to present itself and you’ve got to take advantage of it,” Franklin said. “I’m proud of him.”

Dawkins has been one of the leaders of an offensive line that is seventh in the nation in sacks allowed (11) and 25th in rushing average (194.7 yards). Left tackle Drew Shelton credits Dawkins with the O-line’s success.

“Nick’s a great leader who has a very powerful voice in our locker room,” Shelton said. “He’s the kind of guy that keeps everyone focused on the main task at hand. I expect much of the same this weekend from Nick.”

Dawkins’ pregame routine is also expected. Since high school, Dawkins has watched YouTube highlights of his father. Darryl Dawkins was selected fifth in the 1975 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the first high school player taken in the first round of the draft. The charismatic center dunked with such force that the league went to breakaway rims and mandated backboards be shatter-resistant.

“The first time I watched one of his videos before a game, I had a great game,” said Dawkins, who wears No. 53 in honor of his father, who wore the same number in the NBA. “I’m very superstitious, so I thought I had a good game because I watched one of his videos. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Once the college season is over, the 6-feet-4, 298-pound Dawkins hopes to fulfill his NFL aspirations. He will evaluate his status and decide if he will return to school or declare for the NFL draft.

Dawkins is one of three finalists, along with Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser and Washington State kicker Dean Janikowski, for the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, which honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact and inspires greater service in the world. On Dec. 12, the winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN. The winner will join Danny Wuerffel at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York on Dec. 14.

“It’s really cool to get acknowledged for doing something in the community, but obviously that’s not why we do this,” Dawkins said. “I know my dad would be proud of me, but he’d say this is the family business. We help people and try to make them feel good about themselves.”