Shapen Earns 2025 Philanthropic Spirit Award
June 24, 2025 | Football, Student-Athlete Development, Name, Image and Likeness
STARKVILLE – Blake Shapen is a proven leader inside the huddle, and the Mississippi State quarterback is also a shining example outside of it as evidenced by his latest honor.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Shapen has earned the Philanthropic Spirit Award from the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) Store. The award recognizes the athlete who supported the greatest philanthropic endeavor through their apparel sales.
Back in April, as part of the Bulldogs' annual spring football game, Shapen welcomed around a couple of hundred kids to Davis Wade Stadium as his personal guests, presenting each of them with food vouchers and a postgame autograph meet-and-greet, as well as a special maroon and white, 'Blake's Bulldogs' T-Shirt.
Shapen's efforts produced unforgettable moments for area youth that will surely be treasured for years to come, and the veteran signal caller is proud to be in a spot to be able to deliver such memories.
"Whenever you have a platform like this, I feel like you can use it to be able to influence others," Shapen said. "It's a blessing to be able to be in this position to be able to do something like this. I'm excited to be able to do it."
Philanthropic efforts from Bulldog football players have become commonplace under the leadership of second-year head coach Jeff Lebby. MSU football's DAWG (Developing A Winning Gameplan) Program emphasizes the development of State players both in competition and away from the game to prepare athletes for life.
A large piece of the DAWG Program's efforts revolves around giving back to others in some fashion. One way to do that is like this particular instance, as Bulldog Athlete Services and Shapen collaborated with the DAWG Program to take advantage of an opportunity provided courtesy of Shapen's NIL avenues.
Shapen used his own resources to brighten the lives of many, showing why he's a Bulldog torchbearer whether his helmet is on or off.
"I grew up wanting to be a college football player," Shapen said. "It's cool to now be able to give [others someone] to look up to and aspire to be [so they can be] someone that can be great and influence someone else someday."
Shapen, a graduate student and Shreveport, La., native, is set to begin his second season with MSU when the Bulldogs open their 2025 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Southern Miss.
Last year, prior to a shoulder ailment that caused him to miss the final eight games of the season, Shapen was fourth nationally and second in the Southeastern Conference in Pro Football Focus passing grade. His overall offensive grade was tied for fourth in the FBS and was third in the SEC at the time.
