​There isn’t a player wearing the number 57 on Penn State’s 2026 roster, so for today’s entry we’re turning back the clock to highlight one of the most decorated linemen in program history. AQ Shipley began his Penn State tenure bouncing between defensive and offensive line, but the coaching staff soon named him the starting center in 2006. The following year, during his junior season, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, signaling the rise of a standout lineman who would leave a lasting imprint on the program.
Shipley’s peak came in 2008, when he served as one of Penn State’s offensive captains and helped anchor what was one of the nation’s most formidable offensive lines. His performance that season established him as a centerpiece of the team’s success, and his impact extended beyond the stat sheet. In his senior year, Shipley racked up a collection of prestigious awards, including the Rimington Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s premier center, as well as first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors. Those accolades underscored his status as one of the elite linemen in college football during his era at Penn State.
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Shipley embarked on a nine-year professional career that spanned multiple franchises. He appeared in 110 NFL games and made 72 starts, contributing on the offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His on-field durability and versatility allowed him to adapt to different systems and schemes across the league, earning him a reputation as a reliable interior blocker.
Tragically, a neck injury in 2020 brought his NFL career to an abrupt close. Despite the ending, Shipley’s time in professional football included a Super Bowl ring, earned as a member of the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers championship team. His career arc—from a versatile lineman at Penn State to a key contributor in the NFL—remains a testament to his skill, leadership, and perseverance.
With just 57 days remaining until Penn State’s season opener against Marshall, fans can reflect on Shipley’s legacy as a reminder of the program’s rich history of exceptional linemen. He stands as a shining example of how Penn State develops players who excel at the highest levels of competition, both on the college stage and beyond.