SAD NEWS: Penn State Star Nicholas Singleton Faces Heartbreaking News About His Mother — Head Coach’s Reaction Leaves Fans Stunned
It was supposed to be a normal practice day for Penn State — drills, film sessions, and preparation for the next big game. But on Tuesday morning, silence fell over the Nittany Lions’ locker room when news broke that running back Nicholas Singleton’s mother had been hospitalized following a sudden medical emergency.
What followed left even the toughest players and coaches visibly shaken.
A Devastating Call Mid-Practice
According to team insiders, Singleton, 20, received the call during morning workouts. Witnesses said he quietly stepped off the field after speaking briefly with the team’s medical staff. Moments later, he broke down in tears, surrounded by teammates who rushed to comfort him.
One assistant coach described the moment as “heart-wrenching — the kind of silence you never forget.”
“He’s more than just our player — he’s family,” said the coach. “Seeing him crumble like that… we all felt it.”
Coach Franklin’s Emotional Response
Head Coach James Franklin, known for his disciplined and composed demeanor, reportedly stopped practice immediately after learning of the situation.
Instead of resuming drills, Franklin gathered the entire team on the field and led them in a long, emotional prayer for Singleton and his family.
“Football can wait,” Franklin told the players, according to one source. “Right now, our brother needs us. His family needs us. Everything else stops.”
Witnesses said the usually fiery coach was holding back tears as he spoke, his voice breaking more than once.
A Team United in Support
Within hours, the Penn State athletic department arranged for Singleton to travel home to be with his mother. Teammates flooded social media with messages of love and prayer, many using the hashtag #PrayForMamaSingleton — which quickly trended across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Quarterback Drew Allar posted on Instagram:
“He’s my brother for life. We love you, Nick. We’ve got your back — always.”
Other teammates shared photos of the running back hugging his mom during Senior Day last season, calling her “the heart behind the helmet.”
Fans Respond With Compassion
As news spread, fans across the country began posting heartfelt messages to Singleton and his family. One fan wrote,
“Nicholas runs with so much heart — now it’s time for us to give some of that love back to him.”
Another commented,
“Penn State football isn’t just about winning games. It’s about family — and today, that family needs our prayers.”
Local community groups in Singleton’s hometown of Shillington, Pennsylvania, have already begun organizing a candlelight vigil and prayer service in his mother’s honor.
Who Is Nicholas Singleton?
A five-star recruit and one of the most explosive talents in college football, Singleton has been the emotional core of the Nittany Lions since his freshman season. Known for his powerful running style, humble personality, and unwavering faith, he has become a fan favorite both on and off the field.
Teammates often describe him as “the light in the room” — a player who never complains, always motivates, and constantly puts others before himself.
“He’s the kind of young man every coach dreams of,” said Franklin earlier this year. “He plays for something bigger than football.”
The Power of a Family’s Love
While details about his mother’s condition remain private, sources close to the family say she has long been Nicholas’s biggest inspiration — the person who pushed him through long nights, early mornings, and every challenge on his path to college football stardom.
“She’s his rock,” said a family friend. “Everything he does is for her.”
Penn State’s Promise
Coach Franklin later issued a brief statement, saying the entire program stands behind Singleton:
“Nick is part of our Penn State family. We’re lifting him and his loved ones in prayer and will give him all the time and support he needs.”
Players have since dedicated this week’s practice to Singleton’s mother, with several teammates wearing her initials taped on their wristbands.
A Moment Bigger Than Football
As Penn State prepares for their upcoming matchup, the focus isn’t on game plans or rankings — it’s on love, faith, and the power of community.
For now, the roar of Beaver Stadium has quieted, replaced by one united message echoing across Happy Valley:
“Stay strong, Nick. We’re with you.”
