In case you missed the Penn State football game against Indiana on Saturday and haven’t found your way to a computer, a television, or a newspaper stand since, I regret to inform you that linebacker Michael Mauti suffered what looked to be a serious left knee injury and has most likely played his last football as a Nittany Lion.

Mauti was almost certainly the emotional leader of this team in what has been a trying year for the entire university. Thanks to that leadership role and his never-say-die attitude, Mauti has become a fan favorite and will always be remembered as one of the best representations of what it means to be a Penn Stater.

But now it is time for us to give back to someone that has dedicated so much of the last four years of his life to Penn State. Kelly Burns, a Penn State alum, has put together an event called Morale For Mauti, an effort to boost Mauti’s spirit as he deals with this injury, whatever the extent of it may be.

The Facebook group for the event says thats its purpose is to “send well-wishes and support to Michael Mauti through cards and letters to let him know how much he means to our community.” It adds that the initiative has been approved by Penn State linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden.

All willing participants are urged by Burns to send their letters or cards to the Lasch Football Building, addressed to “Attn: Michael Mauti”, or fill out this Google Doc.

“It’s hard to put into words how much Michael Mauti means to Penn State, its students, alumni, and fans,” the event’s description says. “He has made a tremendous positive impact on us all through his fiery spirit, passion, and drive.”