Former Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon has followed head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State for his final season of collegiate eligibility—and he’s bringing his trademark marketing flavor with him. Known for his starring role in the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral, award-winning “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” campaign, the standout defender is now collaborating with the Pennyslvania Pork Producers Council (PA Pork) to promote the industry on the East Coast.
On Aug. 25, PA Pork launched its new campaign highlighting the power of pork in athletes’ diets.
“Consumers want to see how food fits into real life, and athletes provide a powerful opportunity to tell that story,” says Courtney Gray, executive director of PA Pork. “With the season opener just days away, there’s no better time to show how pork supports performance, preparation and recovery. Bacon’s passion for football and his training diet makes him a natural partner to help us showcase pork’s versatility.”
The campaign features Bacon in a new video that shows pork isn’t just a dinner staple; it’s a versatile protein, fueling one of Penn State’s own as he prepares for kickoff.
“Heavy lifts. Long practices. Every rep adds up. Recovery isn’t optional for me. That’s why I choose pork,” Bacon says in the campaign. He praises pork as a high-quality protein containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and recovery after a grueling workout.
“And it hits, too. Train hard. Recover harder,” he says.
Beyond the athletic benefits, pork’s nutritional profile is gaining broader backing; a recent study shows pork can support clinically meaningful weight loss.
The collaboration is part of PA Pork’s ongoing consumer marketing efforts to introduce pork to new audiences through relatable voices and experiences. The video will be featured on Penn State Athletics, Caleb Bacon, and PA Pork’s social media channels.
Bacon’s journey to major college football has been defined by that same hard-work mentality. Despite receiving zero FBS scholarship offers out of high school, he joined Iowa State as a walk-on in 2021. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, racking up 60 tackles and three sacks. After suffering a season-ending leg injury in the 2024 opener, Bacon bounced back in 2025 with an impressive 68 tackles and three sacks, proving his resilience before transferring to Happy Valley.
While he is highly focused on his final season with the Nittany Lions, his love for pork remains a favorite talking point. In an appearance on Episode 3 of The PORK Podcast, Bacon shared his ultimate culinary indulgence: pork loin wrapped in bacon.
Bacon shares more of his story on Episode 3 of The PORK Podcast.
