Episode
Paul Posluszny on Linebacker U, Coach Paterno & What the Game Means to Him
- Published
- May 25, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2778
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Summary
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 you…