Paul Posluszny on Linebacker U, Coach Paterno & What the Game Means to Him
What does it look like when a player truly does it all — the right way? In this episode of Good in the Game, the official podcast of the National Football Foundation, host and College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington sits down with one of the greatest linebackers in the history of college football — Paul Posluszny.
A two-time Butkus Award winner, Academic All-American of the Year, two-time team captain at Penn State (first Lion to do it since 1968), and 11-year NFL veteran — Posluszny is the definition of Linebacker U. But this conversation goes far beyond the highlight reel.
LaVar and Paul dig into growing up in Aliquippa and Hopewell, Pennsylvania — a region that has produced warriors and NFL talent for generations. They talk about what it meant to play under the legendary Joe Paterno, leading Penn State's turnaround era, the 2005 Orange Bowl victory over Florida State, and what separates the elite from the great.
Paul also opens up about life after football — navigating the transition, finding his value beyond the game, giving back to youth in Northeast Florida with laptops and mentorship, and his current work with Raytheon Missiles & Defense defending this nation.
00:00 - Intro and Welcome
05:34 — When did football grab you?
07:35 — Were there any special people early on — a coach, your dad — who helped lay the foundation?
13:01 — How were you able to be great on the field and in the classroom at the same time?
15:30 — In the greatest linebacker room in Penn State history, what separated you from the rest?
18:12 — What lessons were you learning from Joe Paterno during the program's down years and turnaround?
22:30 — Can you walk us through the locker room before the 2005 Orange Bowl against Florida State?
29:15 — How much did your education play a role in your 11-year NFL career?
30:54 — Did you struggle to find your value or your way after the game ended?
38:52 — Talk to me about the National Football Foundation and what your Hall of Fame induction means to you.
41:26 — How do you want to be remembered?
Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9DWKMF_8pRJ_byrYvebbZW-HMFQj09RhQsiBUMDDyk/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9DWKMF_8pRJ_byrYvebbZW-HMFQj09RhQsiBUMDDyk/edit?usp=sharing]
The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.
Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/ [https://footballfoundation.org/]
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