St. Paul grad Perkins supports food bank with punts at Iowa State

AMES, Iowa — Back for more. That means more than just being a four-year starter for a program that is again expected to be a top 20 Power Five college football team this fall. Iowa State University senior punter Tyler Perkins, a 2022 St. Paul graduate, is again teaming up with local Ames, Iowa food bank this season. Perkins is donating $2 for every yard he averages in a game throughout the season for the Cyclones. On top of his personal donations, people are invited to pledge various amounts and join Perkins with donations. Considering Perkins averaged 44.4 yards per punt in 2024, and 43.6 yards for his career to date, the food bank could be in for strong donations. "I decided to do this because of the hunger issues not just here in Iowa, but all across the world," Perkins said. "It's something that's always weighed on me. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. "Obviously last year, I did something similar by helping cover school lunch debt for kids in Ames, and I knew I wanted to keep using my platform to help others." Further, those who donate can do $10 for every punt downed by the Cyclones inside the opponent's 20-yard line, or $25 for each punt downed inside the 10. There is also the option to donate $20 for every punt by Perkins that exceeds 50 yards. "It means the world," Perkins said. "Playing college football is already such a blessing, and to be able to use my God-given talent to give back just makes it even more fulfilling. I don't take any of this for granted. "I know I'm lucky to be in the position I'm in, and if I can make even a small impact through it, that's what it's all about." In 2024, Perkins used some of his Name, Image, and Likeness compensation with a partnership through Iowa-based RAYGUN Clothing. Supporters can buy ISU-colored "I cheer for the punter" shirts with Perkins' name and number on the back. Proceeds from the shirt sales go to the Ames (Iowa) Community School District's "Lunch Hero program." The program adds money to students' lunch accounts that might be below zero dollars. Also last season, Perkins partnered with Healthy Birth Day, Inc.'s "Count the Kicks" initiative to also pledge money based on his punts. The program is dedicated to improving birth outcomes by educating expectant mothers on tracking fetal movements. On top of the punt pledge this upcoming fall, Perkins recently purchased new equipment for teams in the youth baseball program through the non-profit Friends of Des Moines Parks. "I'm already on a full scholarship and getting full stipends, so how much more do I really need?" Perkins said in 2024. "I figured I would use NIL opportunities to go out there and make a difference." As for his passion for helping the food bank, Perkins attributed much of it to his time at St. Paul, as well as values from his parents, Pete and Jennifer. When Perkins was a senior at St. Paul, he started a fundraiser that resulted in more than $3,000 donated to the Norwalk Area Food Bank. It was not part of a senior project for school, just something the accounting major wanted to do. "St. Paul taught me a thing or two about being selfless," he said. "It's a community built on service, compassion, and putting others first. All of that shaped who I am today and why giving back is so important to me. My parents raised me that way. "They always set the example — doing small, meaningful things for people without ever expecting anything back. That really stuck with me. I'd say all credit to my amazing parents for always setting the right example for me no matter what. It's truly inspiring. They are the most selfless people I know." Perkins and the Cyclones are coming off a season that saw them finish 11-3 overall with a No. 15 ranking in the final polls. They reached the Big 12 title game and beat Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. This season, Iowa State opens against Kansas State in a key Big 12 game at noon on Aug. 23 on ESPN. The game, however, will be played in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Iowa State then hosts the big in-state rivalry game against Iowa on Sept. 6, and will also play a Big 12 game at Cincinnati on Oct. 4, which will give Perkins the opportunity to play in his home state about 3.5 hours from Norwalk. "It's crazy how fast it's all gone," Perkins said of being a senior. "I still remember coming in as a true freshman during the summer of 2022, not knowing what to expect. I just kept my head down, trusted the process, and leaned on the people around me — and good things followed. "Now, heading into my senior season, it's a mix of excitement and gratitude. I'm thankful for every opportunity and more motivated than ever to finish strong both on and off the field."