UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — ‘Fútbol is Life!’ is a phrase often said by “Ted Lasso’s” Danny Rojas, a fictional soccer character who plays for the Richmond Greyhounds in the television series.
For Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas, the saying still rings true despite the sports being slightly different.
“Football means a lot, just because where I grew up, I feel like all that bad stuff, just like kind of where I grew up,” Rojas said. “Football is everything.”
Rojas was a two-year captain at Fairfax High School and quickly rose up the recruiting ranks after rushing for 1,568 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 40 tackles and seven for a loss as a junior. He committed to James Franklin’s program in July of 2022 then went on to have a senior season that featured 2,239 yards and 35 touchdowns as well as 270 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver.
That’s just on offense. On defense, his numbers were just as impressive as he had 72 tackles, 14 of which were tackles for loss, 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and four pass breakups.
Rojas enrolled in January 2023 and has not looked back since. He saw immediate action as a freshman making 21 tackles (7 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception. It might have shocked some people he was able to have that level of an impact early in his freshman season, but for Rojas, he was far from surprised.
“To be in this position, linebacker at this school, it’s crazy to think,” Rojas said. “For me, I just had that mindset coming in. I feel like in my heart and my headspace I’m a dog so I feel I should just play whenever.”
The quiet confidence Rojas displays permeates to the field where he’s an impact player each game for the Nittany Lions. It’s a big reason why the sky is the limit for Rojas as he works to improve his legacy in the blue-and-white.
“I’m kind of hard on myself,” Rojas said. “Any situation, even if I have a good day at practice, I’ve got to watch the film and ask a lot of questions to me. I never have a great day. I’m just always focused on the next practice where I can improve.”
Rojas’ improvements have been on full display through the first two games of the season. He’s averaging five tackles per game and against Bowling Green added the first interception of his season.
“I feel like my speed has gotten faster,” Rojas said. “I’ve gotten bigger and just because you get bigger doesn’t mean people think you get slower. For me, just getting faster and just my mobility getting through blocks. For me and my mindset, I’m unblockable in the box.”
That mindset helps Rojas and makes it much tougher for opponents who not only have to deal with a defensive line that features Abdul Carter, Dvon J-Thomas and Dani Dennis-Sutton, but also a second level that features Rojas, Kobe King and Dom DeLuca.
While over 100,000 fans get to see Rojas in action on Saturdays, it’s all about performing for those closest to him as for why he plays the game.
“My why is just my mom and my family. I just think about them every time I step on the field. I step on the field, every game,” Rojas said.
His mother, Daniela, attends every game and is expected to be at the away games this year as well. Rojas has two sisters, Briana, who goes to Penn State and Lizzy.
Despite being a true sophomore, Rojas has developed into a player that his family can be proud of. He’s continuing to show on a game-by-game basis what makes him special and what he will be able to showcase on Sunday’s in the very near future if things continue in the direction their going.
For now, Rojas is focused on the game he loves and continuing to use it as a platform for bigger and better things for both he and his family.
