For as long as universities have existed, each has built a legacy through the stories of those who have walked its halls. From celebrities and scientists to politicians, artists and athletes, every school’s legacy reflects the success its students achieve after leaving campus. LaVar Arrington has his own success story, built on a decorated foundation at Penn State University.
After a three-year career with the Nittany Lions, Arrington was drafted second overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. The three-time Pro Bowl selection played seven seasons at the highest level before retiring. His success on the field led to opportunities off it. Since retiring, Arrington has made his mark in television, radio and, now, podcasting. His media experience and entrepreneurial spirit led him to identify a gap in the podcasting ecosystem: a platform connecting stories of success with those who found their foundation at Penn State.
“This is about building the entirety of the institution, not just athletics,” Arrington said about the launch of Who We Are: Penn State, an alumni-focused podcast franchise. “As I’ve worked with our alumni association, I started doing homework on other associations. If you’re talking about a direct aim at an alumni association in regards to content, who provides that specific content? There are amazing stories that are connected to all alumni at every school.”
In partnership with FOX Sports Radio and Arrington’s media company, DisruptU PSU, Who We Are: Penn State focuses on stories that go beyond resumes and accomplishments. The goal is to explore the experiences, relationships, turning points and lessons that have shaped Penn State alumni, both on and off the field.
Each episode features Arrington, a Penn State alumnus, working with the university’s alumni association to host a one-on-one conversation with a fellow graduate.
Who We Are: Penn State Hosted By LaVar Arrington With Guest Amanda Gifford. I'm Living A Dream Pt. 1 https://t.co/2Co2lrowpb
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“Their involvement has been everything and made the total activation so impressive. It is a necessary and needed moment in time. Especially between sports and academia, where there is a real concentrated effort to connect,” Arrington says. “There’s a gap being created between the students, alumni, and athletics because of the attention being paid to NIL. If schools do content that directly serves their alumni, it could be as big a moment as integrating into colleges. We’ve gone far from amateurism, and we’re on the brink of admitting its employees.”
Arrington believes the college experience should continue to place a high value on academics. His goal is simple: turn his idea into a viable business model. After identifying a gap in the content ecosystem, he wants to build a proof of concept that can eventually be taken to market.
“Creating a proof of concept with Penn State has been everything. But it’s also an ‘oh wow’ moment. Why hasn’t anyone created alumni specific content? It could be athletics, or the alumni of any school. They’re the most valued. Because companies do deals selling off the backs of the alumni. Why not a dedicated platform that would be there for content for them. That was the birthplace of the concept,” Arrington explains.
Expanding Beyond Morning Radio
The experience has been humbling for Arrington. He connected his idea with the Penn State alumni association and his employer, iHeartMedia and Premiere Radio Networks. His background with FOX Sports Radio made him a natural fit to host the project while balancing his responsibilities with the national syndicator.
Who We Are: Penn State is the latest addition to Arrington’s growing sports media resume. For the past five years, he has been part of FOX Sports Radio’s morning program, 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe. Alongside FOX Sports college football analyst Brady Quinn and FOX Sports Radio host Jonas Knox, Arrington has helped entertain morning audiences and grow the show’s reach to more than 400 affiliates nationwide.
“We’re authentically who we are. That authenticity makes a connection with a powerful trio of personalities. We bring something different to the table every day, but we’re like three brothers,” Arrington said, describing himself as the old man of the group.
Each personality brings a distinct style to the show. Arrington considers himself “the normal guy,” taking the wealth of information Quinn presents and making it digestible for listeners. He also follows the lead of Knox, whom he considers one of the brightest stars in sports radio.
“I don’t want to compare him to Colin Cowherd, but if you listen to how Jonas Knox handles radio shows, he’s Cowherd-ish,” Arrington notes. “The show, because of our differences, hits different demographics of people. That’s what makes us appealing and successful over the past five years.”
Although Arrington acknowledges that name recognition helps the show build its brand and attract attention, he believes its approach to content sets it apart from competitors. Rather than simply reacting to a story, the hosts focus on the personalities involved and their reactions to one another. They push the envelope when necessary while maintaining a sense of relatability through fun and humor.
Each morning, 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe sets the agenda for the rest of the FOX Sports Radio lineup. The show has benefited from five years of consistency in its current timeslot. However, changes could be on the horizon as Dan Patrick is slated to retire from broadcasting in February 2028. His departure would create a programming decision, leaving several possibilities on the table.
“I’ll leave it up to the decision makers. What I will say is that our mission as a show is to continue building value. Wherever we’re most valued at is where we want to be,” Arrington explains. “We’re just trying to get better at everything, every day. If they need us to step into a different timeslot to make the cluster stronger, we’ll have that conversation at that point in time.”
Welcoming Challenge, Building Legacy
Arrington said he is extremely happy with the show’s current position and continued growth after five years in the timeslot. Still, he wants to keep building beyond the program, including through his work on Who We Are: Penn State.
“I like to challenge myself by building value. That’s why I continue to host several podcasts, and talk to our legends that have played at the college and pro levels about giving back and sharing their journey,” Arrington said. “I do a lot of different things in different categories, including two different radio shows. One with two white dudes, and one with two black dudes [Up On Game]… I like to expand and challenge myself to be more.”
Arrington’s experience extends beyond radio and podcasting. He has worked in television at both the local and national levels. Most recently as a panelist on FS1’s Speak For Yourself, hosted by Jason Whitlock.
Although Arrington left the show in 2022, he said he doesn’t necessarily miss studio television. He remains open to another opportunity though.
“I wouldn’t be closed minded to doing television again, but I’m a radio guy. I love podcasting and having the freedom of creativity in the industry I’m in,” Arrington says. “Television is more rigid and formatted. It’s so difficult in television to allow your true personality to organically come out because of that. It was my biggest challenge in television to consistently be authentic with who I am. Which is tough when you only have fifteen seconds.”
Still, Arrington hopes to one day join Big Noon Kickoff, potentially reuniting with his radio partner Quinn on the set.
“I wanted to be on Big Noon Kickoff. When they brought on Charles Woodson, I was like ‘bring on another defensive guy that’s going to make you laugh and have a good time’. I can keep up with Brady Quinn, I prove it every day,” Arrington noted. “You never know. They might see the light one day and ask why don’t they have Lavar on the stage. Then I might get a call, but maybe that’s wishful thinking.”
For Arrington, the next chapter of his career isn’t about finding a new lane. It’s about creating opportunities to grow while giving others a chance to share their stories. From the daily grind of morning radio to his vision for Who We Are: Penn State, he continues to challenge himself and build something meaningful.
His playing career established his name, but his work in media is helping him build a legacy that extends beyond the football field.
“Ultimately, I want to be in this game for thirty years. Then have people tell my old ass what a hell of a job you did as a personality in this space. Congratulations on the hall of fame,” Arrington explained. “I want to be a pro hall of famer. I believe my hard work, consistency, dedication, and diligence ultimately can lead to us getting awards and a hall of fame caliber career in the radio industry.”
If Arrington has his way, that legacy will begin with a platform that gives Penn State alumni a place to share the experiences, relationships and lessons that helped shape their lives. Through Who We Are: Penn State, he hopes to show that a university’s impact extends far beyond athletics. Creating connections that endure long after graduation.
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