LaVar Arrington, a legendary figure from Penn State and former NFL All-Pro linebacker, recently made a memorable appearance in Lancaster County. As the special guest at the Ephrata Lions Club’s 46th annual Sports Card Show and Auction, Arrington captivated the crowd at the Ephrata recCenter.
Fans were eager to hear Arrington's thoughts on the controversial firing of the iconic Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno back in 2011, following the troubling scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
Arrington didn't hold back. "I'm very vocal about the entire situation," he shared. He emphasized the lingering stigma faced by Penn State players and coaches, noting, "People often view all associated with Penn State as ‘guilty’ because of what happened, and that’s the real issue."
During his time at Penn State, Arrington was a two-time All-American from 1997 to 1999. While he refrained from speculating on Paterno's knowledge of Sandusky’s actions, he expressed deep sadness over the enduring impact of the scandal.
Arrington also commented on the challenges faced by former coach James Franklin, particularly the struggle to secure major victories. "It was all part of the death sentence Penn State had," he explained, referencing the sanctions that included scholarship losses and bowl game bans.
A three-time Pro Bowler and the second overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by Washington, Arrington praised Penn State's decision to move on from Franklin. "If a general is losing a war, do you let him continue?" he asked, highlighting the necessity of leadership changes.
Arrington's NFL career, though hampered by injuries, was impressive. He recorded 417 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and 38 pass deflections, scoring two defensive touchdowns over six seasons with Washington and one with the New York Giants.
In 2014, Arrington was honored by the Big Ten Network as part of the "Mount Rushmore of Penn State Football," joining legends like John Cappelletti, Jack Ham, and Shane Conlan. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame came in 2022.
Arrington's standout moment at Penn State was immortalized during a 27-0 victory over Illinois in 1998. Known as the "LaVar Leap," he anticipated the snap and soared over the line to tackle the runner. "I studied so much film," he recalled, detailing how he used subtle cues like shoulder movements to anticipate plays.
Today, Arrington is a podcast host and actively engages with the Penn State Alumni Association. Above all, he cherishes his roles as a husband and father.