Some people are born into greatness; others are raised into it. That’s Tyler Elsdon for you! This Penn State linebacker isn’t just naturally gifted—his foster parents shaped him into the star he is today. It wasn’t just about his talent; it was about the love and guidance they gave him. They created a supportive environment that let him grow.

In the playoff semifinals, Penn State is set to face Notre Dame, with the winner earning the opportunity to compete for the national championship. The matchup between Marcus Freeman and James Franklin intensifies the stakes. However, for Tyler Elsdon, the significance of the game goes beyond the pursuit of a championship. As a linebacker, he carries a name that holds a complex history.

Elsdon’s name, a gift from his birth parents, has stayed with him through foster care, adoption, and finally becoming part of the Griffin family. Despite the challenges, he has chosen to retain his name as a constant reminder of the journey that has shaped his identity.

During Tyler’s childhood days, he always felt different and unworthy of love. Picture this: regular visits from caseworkers, growing up alongside brothers who didn’t resemble him; how would it make you feel? Bad, right? That’s the lingering feeling of uncertainty that contributed to this sentiment. However, everything changed when Nea and John Griffin adopted him. They provided him with the stability he longed for, becoming the anchor in his life.

Moreover, when football became Elsdon’s outlet, the unwavering support of his adoptive family gave him a sense of purpose. Now, as Elsdon takes the field on one of the grandest stages in college football, he is not only playing for Penn State but also for the family who granted him a second chance at life.

But what about the scars of the past? Yeah, they hit deeper than we think. Just ask Tyler Elsdon—dude took ‘defending his family name’ to a whole new level. It’s not just a goal; it’s his entire purpose in life. “I think of the abandonment. I think of all the challenges and everything ‘Elsdon’ brings with it, in my eyes. So, I figure if I keep building, if I keep progressing in my life, I’ll be able to change that connotation. I’ll be able to look at ‘Elsdon’ and be proud of this.”This is where Tyler Elsdon gets that insane dedication for his game and team.

Tyler Elsdon dedication to Penn State

Now, unlike many, Tyler Elsdon could’ve easily dipped into the transfer portal for NIL deals and more playing time, but he chose loyalty above all. Tyler made a move that’s rare in today’s college football scene. Now let’s be real: with NIL deals and desperation to get more playing time elsewhere, he stuck around saying, “But I knew the guys around me still supported me, and I still love them. Like, I was going to be 100% loyal to the guys that I sacrificed for years up to that point.”

Well, it’s not easy to see someone take over your place for which you worked for years. Talking about Tyler Elsdon’s track record, this guy proved what he is capable of. In 2022, Elsdon didn’t just play; he balled out, starting in all 13 games at linebacker with 72 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks. That kind of production got him on the Senior Bowl watch list. Now you can understand what kind of player he is? But even with all that, Kobe King, a top recruit, was right behind him, eventually taking the starting spot.

Moreover, after this setback, Tyler Elsdon also admitted that he had this constant thought of leaving his team, saying, “My decision to stay here was challenging, and of course I had thoughts about leaving.” This shows the kind of person he is. It’s difficult to stick around a program for five long years. That’s pure commitment right there. Looks like the commitment he craved since childhood sparked that fire and molded him into the loyal, dedicated player he is today.