CONGRATULATIONS: College Quarterback Drew Allar Named One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Music — But the Story Behind the Milestone Might Surprise You 🎵🏈

It’s not every day that a college quarterback finds his name alongside the biggest icons in the music industry — but then again, Drew Allar has never been your typical athlete. The Penn State superstar, known for his leadership on the field and humility off it, has just been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Music — a groundbreaking honor that has left fans, teammates, and even industry veterans stunned.

At first glance, it sounds impossible. Drew Allar? The football player? But beneath the surface lies a story of creativity, purpose, and unexpected artistry that’s redefining what it means to be an influencer in the modern age.

A Quarterback With a Song in His Heart

For those who’ve followed Allar’s journey, the recognition isn’t entirely out of nowhere. Over the past year, the Penn State leader has quietly built a second identity — not as a musician in the traditional sense, but as a storyteller through sound.

During the offseason, Allar began collaborating with student musicians, local choirs, and community songwriters to produce “Voices of Victory,” a charity-driven music initiative aimed at supporting mental health programs for student-athletes and veterans. The project started small — a few late-night recording sessions in the university’s music building — but soon blossomed into something far greater.

The result? A moving compilation of original songs, spoken-word tributes, and emotional instrumentals that captured the spirit of resilience and teamwork in a way no speech ever could.

From Locker Room to Recording Booth

It all began after Penn State’s emotional bowl game victory last year. While the stadium roared, Allar quietly sat with headphones in, listening to an unfinished song titled “Carry Me Home.” Written in memory of a teammate’s father, the song became the emotional core of his new mission.

“Music was always around me growing up,” Allar said during a recent interview. “But this time, it wasn’t about performing — it was about healing. I realized that sometimes, what we can’t say out loud, we can still sing.”

Soon, Drew brought together a group of musicians from the Penn State community, blending genres from country to gospel to indie rock — creating what TIME later called “a living, breathing portrait of American perseverance.”

TIME Magazine’s Bold Recognition

When TIME Magazine announced its 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Music, the world expected pop stars, producers, and chart-topping legends. Few expected to see a 21-year-old quarterback from Medina, Ohio, listed next to names like Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, and Alicia Keys.

But TIME’s editors explained their reasoning clearly:

“Drew Allar is proof that influence is no longer confined to one stage. Through music rooted in purpose and community, he has turned leadership into harmony — reminding the next generation that sound can be a force for unity.”

The recognition comes not for commercial success, but for impact. “Voices of Victory” has raised over $6 million to date for mental health awareness, with every cent going to partner charities across Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

A Different Kind of Influence

Allar’s musical journey isn’t about fame or Billboard charts. It’s about connection. Teammates say that during bus rides to away games, he often plays unreleased tracks from the project — not to show off, but to inspire reflection.

“It’s like therapy,” said teammate Nick Singleton. “He’ll play something soft and real before a big game, and it reminds us why we play. It reminds us who we are.”

Even Penn State head coach James Franklin admitted that Allar’s music changed the team dynamic.

“He brought emotion back into the locker room,” Franklin said. “Leadership isn’t just about yelling plays — it’s about lifting spirits. Drew found a new way to do that.”

From Faith to Fame — and Back Again

Despite the newfound attention, Drew Allar remains grounded in his faith and family roots. He’s turned down sponsorships and streaming deals, insisting that the project remain nonprofit.

“The goal was never to make money,” he said. “It was to make meaning.”

His mother, who still attends every home game, reportedly cried when she saw his name in TIME Magazine. “He used to hum church hymns before bed,” she said. “Now he’s sharing that same heart with the whole world.”

A Viral Moment of Humanity

One moment, in particular, captured the public’s imagination. During a spring charity concert at Penn State, Drew took the stage in jeans and a white T-shirt — no fanfare, no spotlight — and performed an acoustic version of “Carry Me Home.”

By the final verse, the entire crowd — students, veterans, and fans — were singing along. The video has since been viewed over 40 million times on social media.

As one fan commented, “He’s not just playing football anymore — he’s playing for people’s hearts.”

Beyond the End Zone

Drew Allar’s inclusion in TIME’s list is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a statement about what influence truly means in 2025. It’s not measured by fame, but by feeling. Not by trends, but by truth.

Cultural critic Dr. Emily Harkins put it best:

“Allar is leading a quiet revolution — where athletes use art to heal, inspire, and remind us that humanity still matters.”

The Sound of Legacy

When asked what comes next, Allar smiled humbly. “Football is my passion,” he said. “But music — music is my prayer.”

He plans to continue “Voices of Victory,” expanding it to colleges nationwide. His goal: to create a movement that unites young athletes, artists, and dreamers under one message — that strength doesn’t mean silence.

As the applause for his TIME Magazine recognition continues to echo, Drew Allar stands not just as a quarterback or musician, but as a symbol of what modern influence can be: kind, creative, and deeply human.

And maybe that’s why the world can’t stop talking. Because in an era defined by noise, Drew Allar has found something far more powerful — a voice worth listening to. 🎶