“I’m not going to downplay the opportunity. Obviously I’m here doing it, so it obviously means a lot to me,” Carter Starocci said ahead of making history at 184 lbs. Despite being on the cusp of making history, the 24-year-old exhibited a certain stoicism. Meanwhile, the Penn State wrestler’s attempt to become the first five-time NCAA champion at 184 even had athletes from other sports holding their breath.
Take 25-year-old Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, for example. The football star who played for the Nittany Lions in college watched with rapt attention as the wrestler fought to earn his fifth individual national title. And when Starocci defeated Iowa’s previously unbeaten challenger Parker Keckeisen 4-3 in the final, Parsons took to social media to write a bold statement.
“Congrats to probably the greatest athlete in Penn State athletics history @carterstarocci!!” the Cowboys player proclaimed on X. “Mr. 5 time national champion!! It’s unheard of and never have been done before! Congratulations, champ!” he added.
Congrats to Probaly the greatest athlete in Penn state athletics history @carterstarocci !! Mr. 5 time national champion!! It’s un heard of and never have been done before!Congratulations champ!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 22, 2025