Trevor Penning

Trevor Penning, born on May 15, 1999, is a renowned and accomplished American football player who holds the position of an offensive tackle professionally. He is currently associated with the New Orleans Saints, a team that is part of the National Football League (NFL). Prior to his entry into professional football, Penning had an impressive stint while playing college football at Northern Iowa, a performance that caught the attention of the Saints who decided to draft him in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Penning spent his formative years in the small town of Clear Lake, Iowa. He found interest and showed promise in sports from a young age, attending Newman Catholic High School based in Mason City, Iowa. It was here that he honed his skills further, putting his budding athletic ability to the test by participating in various sports. He played football with enthusiasm, dominated the court in basketball, and also took great strides in track and field events, excelling specifically in throwing discus and shot put.

His commitment and talent did not go unnoticed. Shortly after receiving an offer, Penning decided to commit to playing college football at Northern Iowa. Despite playing for the Saints in his professional life, Penning fondly reminisces about his days growing up as a Minnesota Vikings fan, showing a lifelong passion for the sport.

During his tenure at Northern Iowa, Penning took a strategic path. As a true freshman, he chose to redshirt, delaying his first term of participation to extend his period of eligibility. By the time he was a redshirt sophomore, things began to heat up. Penning started all 15 of UNI’s games, making a significant contribution to the team. His redshirt junior season, played in the spring of 2021, could initially be viewed as a setback given the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the United States which led to several interruptions and complications. However, Penning took it in his stride. He started five games at left tackle and one at right tackle, adjusting his position per the team’s needs.

His efforts kicked off his 2021 fall season with a bang. He was highly noted, standing out as one of the top-rated offensive tackle and FCS prospects for the 2022 NFL draft. This was a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination to excel. For Penning, football is very much a family affair. His younger brother, Jared Penning, held the position next to him on the Panthers’ offensive line since his redshirt sophomore season, providing a familial connection on field.

Entering the professional space, Penning was picked up by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, marking his position as the 19th overall pick. His career experienced a hiccup when he was placed on an injured reserve after sustaining a torn ligament in his foot on September 1, 2022. The determination that Penning carries didn’t allow this setback to keep him down for long, and he was activated by November 26.

Following his recovery, he played until Week 18 against the Carolina Panthers, where a Lisfranc fracture served as another hurdle. But if Penning’s past performance is any indication, it is clear that this tackle is ready to continue making a significant impact when he returns to the field.