LaVar Arrington, a legendary linebacker who played for Penn State from 1997 to 1999, recently returned to Happy Valley ahead of the White Out game. Arrington, who was picked No. 2 overall by Washington in the 2000 NFL Draft, hosted a meet and greet during Venmo’s Town Hall takeover at Champs downtown.
In an exclusive interview with Onward State, Arrington reflected on the changing landscape of Penn State football. He focused on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the legacy of the program, and the future of his son, LaVar Arrington II, who’s joined the Nittany Lions this season.
The Evolution of Penn State Football and NIL Deals
Arrington talked about how Penn State needs to stay true to its core values, even as NIL deals become more common. He said money matters, but it shouldn’t take over the heart of college athletics.
Now there’s the idea of trying to figure out what’s the proper way to go about handling the business of college athletics without it turning into just the business of college athletics, he said. He thinks Penn State’s tradition of prioritizing academics and character should still be something the program is proud of.
Drew Allar and the Venmo NIL Deal
Drew Allar, a rising star, recently signed an NIL deal with Venmo and is now the face of the new Penn State Venmo Debit Card. Arrington mentioned that Allar’s deal really shows how college sports are changing, with athletes now able to cash in on their personal brands.
Still, he pointed out that players need to keep these opportunities in check with their team responsibilities and schoolwork. It’s a tricky balance, isn’t it?
LaVar Arrington II: Continuing the Legacy
Arrington’s son, LaVar Arrington II, has followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Nittany Lions this season. Even with other options, Arrington II felt at home at Penn State—a place that’s always been part of the Arrington family’s story.
Arrington shared that he didn’t want to overstep in his son’s recruiting process. He let his son make his own call. I raised my kids around Penn State, and Penn State has always been a fabric of what our family represents, he said.
Trusting the Process
Arrington II isn’t starting yet, but his dad believes in letting him grow and trust the process. Arrington said football success is about learning, patience, and having the right guidance.
Your success is engaged and measured by how quickly you’re able to impact, he noted. His son isn’t thinking about transferring just because he’s not starting right away.
Linebacker U: A Legacy of Excellence
Arrington was a two-time All-American at Penn State, which is no small feat. His journey was built on frustration, trust, and pushing through doubt.
He hopes his son will get to experience that, too. If Arrington II ends up wearing the iconic No. 11, he’ll join elite linebackers like Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons.
Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons: Penn State Legends
Arrington praised Abdul Carter for his huge potential and relentless work ethic. He’s gone through that process of building the self-belief and understanding the hard work and self-belief, he said.
Micah Parsons, meanwhile, has already made a name for himself in the NFL. It’s tough for anyone to match what Parsons is doing right now.
Arrington said he’s excited to see what Carter can do next. The Nittany Lions’ defense has been a real highlight this season.
The Legacy of Joe Paterno and the Modern-Day Penn State
Arrington also spoke about former Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who racked up 409 wins as head coach. The recent game against Oregon marked the 409th game in Beaver Stadium—a pretty wild coincidence if you ask me.
Arrington thinks current coach James Franklin has done a great job building on Paterno’s foundation. It’s an exciting time, and that excitement is something that is deeply rooted in great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and now their children, he said.
Looking Ahead
Penn State keeps changing, but the program still holds tight to its traditions. They’re also figuring out how to handle modern shifts, like those new NIL deals that everyone keeps talking about.
The Nittany Lions’ defense stands out, especially with that fierce linebacker group. Honestly, it’s hard not to get excited about guys like LaVar Arrington II and Abdul Carter out on the field.
And you can’t really talk about Penn State linebackers without thinking of Micah Parsons. With talent like this, you have to wonder just how high this team can climb.
Want to hear more from LaVar Arrington? You can check out the full interview at Onward State.
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