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This is “Who We Are: Penn State” — brought to you by the Penn State Alumni Association. A show where distinguished graduates return to share their stories. Where we dig into the moments that shaped them. And where you discover that wearing these colors never really ends. In part two of this episode of WHO WE ARE hosted by LaVar Arrington, Penn State alumnus from 2004, Amanda Gifford Lockwood continues to share her inspiring journey from Penn State student to Emmy-winning ESPN executive. They discuss the winding path from student teaching to a 23-year ESPN career. She shares how Penn State opportunities, relationships, and persistence shaped her work, and offers advice on using college resources, standing out as a creator, and staying connected to the alumni community. Lockwood pursued sports media while double majoring in elementary education and journalism at Penn State, then earned an ESPN radio production assistant internship. Her 15-week ESPN internship was followed by student teaching third grade in State College; she stayed connected to ESPN through remote work and occasional weekend production shifts. She says adapting how you communicate to each individual child taught lessons she still uses with people across the media industry. Her advice to students: use Penn State’s Alumni Association, network, professors, and College of Communications facilities. For aspiring content creators, she urges finding a distinctive angle that audiences cannot get from countless competing feeds and shows. Lockwood describes the Penn State alumni network as a practical career resource, citing recent meetings with Penn State graduates at Augusta National and in college football. She discusses Emmy wins for College GameDay, SportsCenter, and SEC on ABC, emphasizing that large production teams share the achievement. After 23 years at ESPN, she credits Penn State’s facilities, professors, access, and experiences with helping prepare her for a career she still considers a dream.   #2pros #fsr #upongame #upongamepresents See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Good In The Game, College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington talks with Mark Dantonio, longtime Michigan State head coach and National Football Foundation Hall of Fame inductee, about the coaches and relationships that shaped his career. Dantonio shares his five cornerstones for success, reflects on developing players on and off the field, and describes community service and the standards behind Michigan State's winning years. Takeaways You gotta relate to your players. They've gotta trust each other and trust the coaching. You gotta be passionate about what you're doing and be innovative. People don't understand the process. They understand the product. Both coaches were big on relationships and spending time with their players on things other than just football. You don't get there without great people and you don't get there without one person doesn't get there. You have to have a total group of people going in the same direction. You gotta win championships.     #2pros #upongame #FSR See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Plaxico Burress talk about the Philadelphia Eagles’ handling of QB Jalen Hurts and his blood clot, if the Cowboys can overcome their slow start, whether or not Rams HC Sean McVay is on the hot seat, if the AFC North leading Browns are legit, and more! #2Pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar, TJ, and Plax talk about fired Maryland HC Mike Locksley putting some of the blame on his departure on NIL, Lovie Smith and his son stepping away from coaching high school football due to the QB changing a play call, Colts QB Anthony Richardson gets arrested for marijuana in the big 2026, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TJ Houshmandzadeh & Plaxico Burress talk about the rash of injuries in the NFL this year and if anything can be done about it, the Brewers sweep of the Dodgers in the NLCS, whether Cam Ward and the Titans can turn things around, and more! #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TJ & Plaxico talk about Jalen Hurts and the Eagles injury issues and if their season is already lost, trying to figure out what exactly is going on with Broncos QB Bo Nix, questioning if Ohio State has actually underachieved with the amount of talent they have year in and year out, the Bears get QB Caleb Williams back, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and more!  #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Good In The Game, College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington dives into the inspiring journey of Coach Rich Rodriguez as he shares his journey from a small town in West Virginia to becoming a renowned football coach. Coach Rodriguez discusses the evolution of offensive strategies, the importance of coaching, and advice for aspiring coaches and athletes. Quotes: "High school coaches are among the least appreciated professionals" "Football has changed lives every day" "Coaches are changing lives through mentorship" Key Topics Rich Rodriguez's journey from West Virginia to coaching The evolution of football offense and the role of RPOs The importance of coaching and mentorship in football The impact of football on players' lives and communities Adapting to changes in college football, including the transfer portal and player pay The significance of culture and playing hard in winning Advice for aspiring coaches and athletes #2pros #upongame #FSR See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar & TJ talk about the looming showdown between the 3-1 Seahawks and the 4-0 49ers, a preview of Monday Night Football between the Rams and the Bills, the Raiders making people into believers, how the Chargers can save their season tomorrow, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar Arrington & TJ Houshmandzadeh talk about the state of the Eagles season and whether or not they can rebound after a tepid 2-2 start, thoughts on the reported trade of Marvin Harrison Jr to an unknown team, a look at the NFC North as the Bears take on the Packers, Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard gets testy with the media, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is “Who We Are: Penn State” — brought to you by the Penn State Alumni Association. A show where distinguished graduates return to share their stories. Where we dig into the moments that shaped them. And where you discover that wearing these colors never really ends. In part one of this two-episode series of WHO WE ARE hosted by LaVar Arrington, Penn State alumnus from 2004, Amanda Gifford Lockwood shares her inspiring journey from Penn State student to Emmy-winning ESPN executive, highlighting the importance of community, mentorship, and differentiation in a competitive media landscape.  -Mentorship and early support from Steve Jones -Experience in sports journalism and radio -Internship at ESPN and summer in sports media -Balancing teaching and career aspirations Takeaways: -Leverage mentorship opportunities early in your career. -Utilize university resources and networks for growth. -Stay connected to your college community for opportunities.       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar Arrington & TJ Houshmandzadeh talk about the trade that sent DB Joey Porter Jr from Pittsburgh to the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL settling on a punishment for 49ers owner Jed York, Tony Romo and CBS mutually splitting ways following Romo’s DUI arrest, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar & TJ talk about Deshaun Watson and the Browns, some teams facing must-win games tomorrow, in-depth looks at Texans – Cowboys, Rams – Eagles, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar, TJ, and Plax talk about Steelers DB Joey Porter Jr and the Steelers contract impasse and if it gets resolved, the most dangerous team in the NFL right now, thoughts on the beef between Emmanuel Acho and Leonard Fournette, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh, and Plaxico Buress talk about Josh Jacobs’ ongoing legal issues amid the Packers tepid start to the season, which NFL QB injury is most concerning at this point in the season, communication issues during Tennessee – Texas, and more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar, TJ, and Plax talk about the decision to not change the result of Michigan – Western Michigan and how it can’t be changed even though the NCAA admitted it was wrong, another edition of Up on Game / Down on Game, and much more! #2pros #fsrweekends See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.