Penn State Ribs ESPN's Adam Schefter for Nicholas Singleton Post

Broadcaster mixes up Nittany Lions running backs while breaking news about Singleton's recovery.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a football game or match, with the players and field reduced to abstract shapes and planes, conveying the concept of a journalistic error in identifying players.A cubist interpretation of the mix-up between Penn State running backs, highlighting the importance of attention to detail in sports journalism.State College Today

ESPN's NFL senior insider Adam Schefter reported that former Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton is 'medically cleared' and running again after sustaining a broken foot at the Senior Bowl in January. However, Schefter mistakenly used a photo of former Nittany Lions running back Cordell Mitchell from the 1990s, leading Penn State's social media team to have some fun with the error.

Why it matters

Singleton was one of the top running back prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, and his recovery from injury is crucial news for his draft stock. The mix-up by Schefter, one of ESPN's leading NFL voices, also highlights the importance of getting player details right, especially for high-profile prospects.

The details

Schefter reported that Singleton, Penn State's career leader in rushing and total touchdowns, is 'medically cleared' and running again after sustaining a broken foot at the Senior Bowl in January. However, Schefter used a photo of former Nittany Lions running back Cordell Mitchell, who last played for the team in the 1990s. Penn State's social media team had some fun with the error, finding and posting a touchdown run by Mitchell.

  • Schefter reported the news about Singleton's recovery on April 16, 2026.
  • Mitchell last played for Penn State in the 1990s.

The players

Adam Schefter

ESPN's NFL senior insider and a leading voice on the network's Monday Night Football Countdown program.

Nicholas Singleton

Former Penn State running back and a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, who is recovering from a broken foot sustained at the Senior Bowl.

Cordell Mitchell

Former Penn State running back who last played for the Nittany Lions in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“How could Schefter possibly think this was Nick Singleton when he tweeted this out?”

— Devin Jackson

What’s next

Singleton is expected to be fully recovered and ready to participate in NFL training camps later this year.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of attention to detail, especially when reporting on high-profile prospects like Singleton. It also showcases the playful nature of Penn State's social media team, who were able to have some fun with the mix-up while also promoting the program's rich history.