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LaVar Arrington, a former standout linebacker at Penn State University and a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his NFL career, is adding another dimension to his media portfolio. In collaboration with FOX Sports Radio and his own media venture, DisruptU PSU, Arrington has introduced Who We Are: Penn State, a podcast franchise dedicated to exploring the lives and lessons of Penn State alumni.
Arrington's journey from a decorated college football career—culminating in being selected second overall in the 2000 NFL Draft—to a successful broadcaster has been marked by a consistent drive to create and connect. After seven seasons in the NFL, he transitioned to television and radio, and now podcasting. His latest project stems from a recognized gap in the podcasting landscape: a platform that highlights the success stories of those who built their foundations at Penn State, extending beyond just athletics.
"This is about building the entirety of the institution, not just athletics," Arrington said about the launch. The podcast, produced in partnership with the Penn State Alumni Association, features one-on-one conversations between Arrington and fellow graduates, delving into their experiences, relationships, and turning points. "Their involvement has been everything and made the total activation so impressive," he added.
Arrington sees the initiative as timely, especially as the gap between students, alumni, and athletics widens due to the attention on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. "If schools do content that directly serves their alumni, it could be as big a moment as integrating into colleges," he noted. "We've gone far from amateurism, and we're on the brink of admitting it's employees."
Beyond this podcast, Arrington remains a key figure on FOX Sports Radio's morning show, 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe, alongside Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox. The program, now in its fifth year, reaches over 400 affiliates nationwide. Arrington describes the on-air chemistry as authentic and brotherly, with each host bringing a distinct style that appeals to different demographics. "We bring something different to the table every day, but we're like three brothers," he said, referring to himself as the "old man of the group."
While the show's future timeslot may be impacted by Dan Patrick's planned retirement in February 2028, Arrington remains focused on building value. "Wherever we're most valued at is where we want to be," he stated. "We're just trying to get better at everything, every day."
Arrington's media experience also includes television work, most notably as a panelist on FS1's Speak For Yourself. Although he left the show in 2022, he hasn't closed the door on a return to television, though he prefers the creative freedom of radio and podcasting. "Television is more rigid and formatted," he explained. "It's so difficult in television to allow your true personality to organically come out."
Looking ahead, Arrington hopes to one day join Big Noon Kickoff, potentially reuniting with Quinn. "I wanted to be on Big Noon Kickoff," he said. "I can keep up with Brady Quinn, I prove it every day."
Ultimately, Arrington aims to build a lasting legacy in sports media. "I want to be in this game for thirty years," he said. "Then have people tell my old ass what a hell of a job you did as a personality in this space. I want to be a pro hall of famer." Through Who We Are: Penn State, he hopes to demonstrate that a university's impact extends far beyond athletics, creating connections that endure long after graduation.
Key Analysis
Arrington's move into alumni-focused podcasting reflects a broader trend of athletes leveraging their platforms to foster community and address content gaps. By partnering with FOX Sports Radio and Penn State's alumni association, he not only diversifies his media footprint but also creates a scalable model that could be replicated across other universities. This initiative underscores the evolving relationship between sports, academia, and media, particularly as NIL and athlete empowerment continue to reshape the landscape. Arrington's dual focus on radio success and entrepreneurial ventures positions him as a multifaceted voice in sports media, with a clear eye on long-term impact and recognition.
Originally reported by yahoo.