Dear Chad,

Since your initial arrival and uproar in Happy Valley, there’s been nothing but radio silence from you. With your sudden disappearance from the Penn State community, many questions have arisen about your absence.

Did you transfer? Were you finally drafted into the NFL? Did you flee the country? Were you kidnapped? Were the spotlight and fame too much for you? Are you related to Austin Powers? Did you check yourself into an insane asylum?

As more and more folks begin to ponder where you’ve gone, feelings of confusion and concern have been racing through the minds of the average Penn Stater. Are you OK, Chad? The people want answers.

Walking on to the Penn State football must’ve been scary for you, especially after being the unexpected underdog of the tryout. I can’t imagine the pressure you felt and the thoughts racing through your head. And to find out there was a contest named after you? That’s even more pressure (I hope you monetized that shit).

Nonetheless, you handled your five seconds of fame both humbly and respectfully. You should be proud of yourself, Chad. But how’s life treating you now?

Although your fame was brief, you’re still honored by your fellow students and football fans, who can be seen around Happy Valley sporting your “think fast, run fast” merch. We have your back, Chad. Seriously.

Stardom can be rough, especially in a college town as energetic as State College. The looks, the t-shirts, the constant spotlight, the random fans coming up to you and screaming, crying, and throwing up. It can get overwhelming.

Just know this, man. You are so loved. What you did last fall will stay in the heart of Happy Valley for years to come.

If you’re going through a hard time right now, I get it. We all burn out from time to time. But just know there are resources available for you right here at this university. Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of help and professionals who can talk you through whatever you are going through.

As an optimist, I think you could be laying low and having some quality bonding time with the rest of the Powers clan. Maybe you’re enjoying an extended family vacation on a tropical island. Or maybe you’re visiting other colleges with your squad in hopes of walking running onto more football tryouts. Hopefully, you took your stardom like a champ, and you’re still figuring out your next steps.

I just hope whatever you are currently up to is what’s best for you. Not the people, but you, Chad Powers.

Maybe you’re at peace since fizzling out. But, after last weekend’s home opener against West Virginia, you must be getting major FOMO.

If you’re ready, maybe you can make your comeback. Although walk-on tryouts have already been held, there are always spring tryouts. Give Drew Allar a run for his money!

If that’s too much for you, that’s totally understandable. Even if it’s a little road trip to one of our home games this season, the people of State College would be so thrilled to have you back in Beaver Stadium.

All in all, Chad, life in Happy Valley just isn’t the same. The energy and enthusiasm you brought here and the excitement you induced simply can’t be matched. Just know, we’ve been thinking about you, even if you’ve been MIA.

Although you’re gone (for the time being), you will never be forgotten, Chad Powers.

With love,

Evan