For new starter K.J. Winston, family means everything

The day of a game takes a lot out of each player. From the pregame butterflies to the last-minute studying, there's a lot to take in on gameday. The Penn State football team has an even more unique scenario it went through after the West Virginia game. Each player had to wait all day and stay loose before taking the field. For safety, Kevin Winston Jr. has a unique post-game routine that he has developed in Happy Valley.

Earning a starting role on the Penn State defense

On Saturday night against West Virginia, it came as a surprise to some that Kevin Winston Jr. was announced as a starter. To those who have followed Penn State football over the past few months, it wasn't a surprise at all. Winston Jr, took advantage of spring ball and fall camp to earn himself a more significant role, which he executed on. Against West Virginia, he racked up three tackles.

What has stood out to many about his style of play is that he is not afraid to make a big-time hit. As a safety, you are the last line of defense before the opponent reaches the endzone. So, you must be willing to take down a running back while also playing coverage on pass plays. Penn State is fortunate to have four starting-caliber players in that position this season. But Winston Jr. is a star in the making.

Kevin Winston Jr. has a unique postgame routine

Here's what happens to Kevin Winston Jr. after the lights turned off in Beaver Stadium. “The majority of the time, if it's a home game I will hang with family,” Winston told us. “And after I ice and everything, I just go spend time with family. Then following that day, we are right back to it, but that's my main thing. ...I'm not big on going out and like partying or anything or celebrating. Like, I'll celebrate but, I'm not really the big party guy. So, my main thing is just getting back with my family. It's like my only time I can see them, so that's my main thing."

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It's clear that at a young age Winston Jr. has identified his priorities, and although he is willing to celebrate the most important thing for him is spending time with his family.

Family means everything to Winston Jr.

For most football players they dream of playing in the NFL and making significant money. K.J. Winston spoke about his main goal for his career.

He said, "Honestly my family, just for them... knowing what my parents did for me. They had me at a young age and they had to sacrifice a lot of things to make sure I had a good life to be in the position I'm in now. Honestly, just looking back at how they took care of me…So, it's just wanting to give back to them. And they always say I don't have to give anything back to them, but for me, that's my main goal."

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This speaks to how driven Winston Jr. is, he has one goal in mind to take care of his parents.

Upcoming Happy Valley United exclusive events

Happy Valley United will be providing exclusive access and events throughout the 2023-24 athletic year, including:

American Cancer Society Coaches vs Cancer Reverse Car Drawing, Medlar Field, September 14

Select members of the Penn State men’s basketball team will be attending the Coaches vs Cancer Reverse Car Drawing on September 14, at Medlar Field.
The event is hosted by the American Cancer Society and will run from 6-8 p.m.

Penn State men’s basketball student-athletes attending the event are Ace Baldwin Jr., Rayquawndis Mitchell, Puff Johnson, D’Marco Dunn and Zach Hicks.

Be sure to check out this and all the exclusive experiences presented by Happy Valley United for the 2023 season!

Exclusive player insights, presented by HVU On-Demand

If you enjoyed this sit-down interview with K.J. Winston, stay tuned for more exclusive player insights throughout the 2023 season. HVU On-Demand will be providing exclusive access to player interviews and other content throughout the fall as part of the brand-new partnership between Happy Valley United, Up on Game, and Basic Blues Nation.

This initiative aims to promote NIL opportunities for the over 800 Penn State student-athletes represented by Happy Valley United and provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite Nittany Lions.

To donate, please visit Happy Valley United’s website. We Are!