The Penn State Alumni Association named Michael Robinson the honorary chair of FastStart, the Association’s mentorship program, on Friday. Robinson will work closely with the program, which connects Penn State freshmen with faculty, staff, or alumni mentors to help them engage with the community and settle into life at Penn State.

“We’ve been focused on doing what we can to prepare young people for life success in their formative high school years,” Robinson said in a release. “Partnering with FastStart and the Alumni Association gives us an opportunity to support young people at another critical point in their academic journey and to show them their Penn State family is there every step of the way.”

Robinson, who played for Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions from 2004 to 2006, has a number of responsibilities in this new volunteer role. He’ll share some of his life experiences with FastStart participants, but will also raise awareness for the initiative among alumni with the goal of encouraging some of them to get involved.

He also works with middle and high school students through the Excel to Excellence Foundation, which he founded in 2010 in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Robinson’s football career was filled with accolades. After winning the Big Ten with Penn State in 2005 as a quarterback and wide receiver, Robinson found success in the NFL as a fullback, winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.

“We’re excited about the energy Michael will bring to FastStart and the commitment he’s shown in supporting students,” Alumni Association President Steve Wagman said in a release. “The FastStart approach is core to our mission. It offers unique and meaningful experiences, support systems, and guidance to help students right out of the gate and, hopefully, keep them connected to their Penn State community for life.”