The National Football Foundation's Good in the Game Podcast

Ndamukong Suh isn't just a Hall of Fame football player — he's proof you can dominate the game AND the business world at the same time. On this episode of Good in the Game, the podcast built by the National Football Foundation, host LaVar Arrington sits down with the newest member of the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

At Nebraska, Suh became a two-way threat in the classroom and on the field — and in 2009 he swept all four major college football defensive awards (Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski, and Outland) in a single season, becoming the first defensive lineman in 15 years to make the Heisman finalist list.

Drafted No. 2 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft, Suh went on to a 13-year NFL career. But what sets Suh apart is what he did off the field: he built a friendship with Warren Buffett, and grew a business empire spanning tech, real estate, and hospitality while still racking up sacks on Sundays. Today he hosts the No Free Lunch business and finance podcast and runs the Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation.

In this conversation, Suh and LaVar Arrington talk about his Cameroonian and Jamaican roots, growing up playing soccer before football, the education standard his mother set for him, his recruitment to Nebraska, his historic 2009 season, his NFL legacy, his business ventures, and what he wants his legacy to be — on the field and off it.

🏈 Subscribe for more episodes of Good in the Game, the podcast the National Football Foundation built — building leaders through football, past, present, and forever. - https://www.youtube.com/@NFFOnDemand

🏈Follow LaVar Arrington: Instagram @kingofthemammals - https://www.instagram.com/king_of_the_mammals/

Follow Ndamukong Suh's business podcast: No Free Lunch - https://www.youtube.com/@UCT5En0-YYI7CtpqWdzK8akQ

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#NdamukongSuh #GoodInTheGame #CollegeFootballHallOfFame #NationalFootballFoundation #NebraskaFootball #NFLHallOfFame #LaVarArrington #NoFreeLunchPodcast

Chad Hennings' story is one of the most extraordinary journeys in football and American service. From an Iowa farm boy to the Air Force Academy, where he lead the nation with 24 sacks, to flying 45 A‑10 combat missions, Hennings lived two elite careers before ever stepping into the Dallas Cowboys locker room during the teams dynasty run in the '90s.

In this episode of Good in the Game, LaVar Arrington dives into how Hennings balanced military duty, discipline, and excellence to become a three‑time Super Bowl champion. He breaks down wrestling, football, leadership, service, and the mindset that carried him from the battlefield to America's Team.

01:15 – From Iowa farm kid to Air Force Academy recruit

08:10 – How wrestling shaped his dominance on the football field

11:42 – Winning the Outland Trophy and leading the nation in sacks

15:52 – Leaving football for four years to serve and fly A‑10s

20:52 – Joining the Dallas Cowboys dynasty in 1992

22:41 – Translating military discipline back into NFL success

26:46 – What the National Football Foundation and the game truly mean to him

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19fomoLttuvjic5vl_OKsTBuWaAuqSCBrBVZSMITS60I/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#ChadHennings #DallasCowboys #AirForce #GoodInTheGame #LaVarArrington #CollegeFootballHallOfFame #militaryveterans #leadershiptraining

Derrick Johnson — College Football Hall of Famer, Texas Longhorn legend, and the all‑time leading tackler in Kansas City Chiefs history — sits down with LaVar Arrington for one of the most powerful conversations ever on Good in the Game.

From growing up in a football family in Waco, to becoming the most dominant linebacker in Big 12 history, to overcoming adversity in the NFL, DJ breaks down the mindset, discipline, and legacy that shaped his life on and off the field.

00:00 – Growing Up in a Football Family

01:56 – What Was It Like Having Football in Your Blood?

04:05 – The Moment Derrick Johnson Knew Football Was His Path

07:03 – Choosing Football and Becoming a Texas Longhorn

12:19 – The Legacy and Meaning of Wearing Number 11

14:56 – Derrick Johnson's Legendary College Run at Texas

18:10 – How DJ Continued to Improve Without Getting Complacent

22:13 – Becoming a True Student of the Game

28:48 – Fatherhood, Leadership, and Building a Family Culture

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w4nKg3ZmTVvaY2LJ7MbwjsI45C93J_IsPVrQelYzLwQ/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#DerrickJohnson #GoodInTheGame #LaVarArrington #TexasLonghorns #KansasCityChiefs #CollegeFootballHallOfFame #NFLLinebacker #FootballLegacy

What does it look like when a player truly does it all — the right way? In this episode of Good in the Game, the official podcast of the National Football Foundation, host and College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington sits down with one of the greatest linebackers in the history of college football — Paul Posluszny.

A two-time Butkus Award winner, Academic All-American of the Year, two-time team captain at Penn State (first Lion to do it since 1968), and 11-year NFL veteran — Posluszny is the definition of Linebacker U. But this conversation goes far beyond the highlight reel.

LaVar and Paul dig into growing up in Aliquippa and Hopewell, Pennsylvania — a region that has produced warriors and NFL talent for generations. They talk about what it meant to play under the legendary Joe Paterno, leading Penn State's turnaround era, the 2005 Orange Bowl victory over Florida State, and what separates the elite from the great.

Paul also opens up about life after football — navigating the transition, finding his value beyond the game, giving back to youth in Northeast Florida with laptops and mentorship, and his current work with Raytheon Missiles & Defense defending this nation.

00:00 - Intro and Welcome

05:34 — When did football grab you?

07:35 — Were there any special people early on — a coach, your dad — who helped lay the foundation?

13:01 — How were you able to be great on the field and in the classroom at the same time?

15:30 — In the greatest linebacker room in Penn State history, what separated you from the rest?

18:12 — What lessons were you learning from Joe Paterno during the program's down years and turnaround?

22:30 — Can you walk us through the locker room before the 2005 Orange Bowl against Florida State?

29:15 — How much did your education play a role in your 11-year NFL career?

30:54 — Did you struggle to find your value or your way after the game ended?

38:52 — Talk to me about the National Football Foundation and what your Hall of Fame induction means to you.

41:26 — How do you want to be remembered?

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9DWKMF_8pRJ_byrYvebbZW-HMFQj09RhQsiBUMDDyk/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#GoodInTheGame #NationalFootballFoundation #PennState #LinebackerU #CollegeFootball #NFLLife #LaVarArrington #footballpodcast

From Masonville farm kid to Outland Trophy winner, No. 2 overall pick, and College Football Hall of Famer, Robert Gallery's football résumé is the stuff of legend. But as he tells LaVar Arrington, the real story didn't begin until the helmet came off. In this powerful conversation, Gallery opens up about the depression, anxiety, brain fog, and darkness that followed his NFL career — the part players are never supposed to admit out loud.

00:00 - Intro & Welcome

03:30 - Getting into Football

08:00 - Playing Through Pain at Iowa

11:30 - Making the College Football Hall

14:20 - Rapid Fire Questions

18:05 - Robert's Battle with Depression & How He Overcame It

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L9kyJ5YMT8Kg449siq-KBWNoKGXp6g9s2X3RIbhD8RI/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#nff #football #depression #depressionrelief #collegesports #nfldraft #overcomingadversity #robertgallery #iowafootball

LaVar Arrington sits down with Sterling Doty, head coach at Stephenville High School in Texas. Stephenville was announced as the winner of this years Hatchell Cup by the National Football Foundation. LaVar and Coach Doty discuss getting into the game, what football has done for him in his life and what he wants his legacy to be.

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

LaVar sits down with one of the best coaches in the country right now, Texas Tech's Joey McGuire. The guys discuss their past coaching together in the Under Armour All-American game, Texas Tech's big year, McGuire's coaching career & how Coach keeps his teams motivated.

00:00 - Intro 01:32 - LaVar and McGuire Coaching Together

04:45 - Coach's Relationship with the NFF

07:15 - McGuire's Coaching Career

11:40 - Texas Tech in the NIL World

19:00 - Biggest Lesson Learned as a Coach

26:45 - What's Next Moving Forward

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CqT9GSN5oblivVnkewbZtE37mD9ZtLzvsu31gi57Ha4/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#nationalfootballfoundation #nff #collegesports #collegefootball #football #texastech #texastechredraiders #ttu #redraiders #joeymcguire #coachmcguire

LaVar brings us another interview with a member of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame, Minnesota's Greg Eslinger! Greg and LaVar chat about the 2025 Hall of Fame class, Greg's path to to Minnesota and how lineman get the glow up once they step away from the game!

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/191ejQN5W7Ae5KPLMiOhaVyTJgETPo54rhNQrqFtGjBA/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#nationalfootballfoundation #nff #collegesports #collegefootball #football #gregeslinger #2025collegehalloffame #minnesotafootball #minnesotagoldengophers

LaVar Arrington chats LIVE with Tennessee and Jags great Big John Henderson! The guys catch up at the NFF Awards diner honoring the college football hall of fame class of 2025, which John was elected to. John and LaVar discuss the Hall of Fame, his INSANE pregame slap routine & what advice he would give to younger players in the game.

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rUrvloBEZgqRgfS25Za8n4chFQ-TAzLUwuvw_UC9-LE/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#nationalfootballfoundation #nff #collegesports #collegefootball #football #johnhenderson #jags #tennessee #tennesseevolunteers #tennesseefootball

LaVar Arrington sits down LIVE with Oregon and Ravens great Haloti Ngata! The guys catch up at the NFF Awards diner honoring the college football hall of fame class of 2025, which Haloti is a part of. Haloti and LaVar discuss the Hall of Fame, how to face adversity and what the game means to him!

Transcript - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9OOX4X2W9BoS2sd93ELpY_mRCCY0wBWVD_TySMxrdA/edit?usp=sharing

The Good in the Game Podcast, hosted by 2022 NFF Hall of Fame inductee LaVar Arrington (Penn State) is a new podcast from the National Football Foundation where twice a month, we will be looking at everything we love about the game of football. Our mission is to promote and develop the good in the game, and this podcast will tell those stories through exclusive interviews and in-depth discussions and analysis featuring some of the biggest names in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys the sport, the Good in the Game podcast is the perfect way to stay connected to all things football.

Visit Us at https://footballfoundation.org/

#nationalfootballfoundation #nff #collegesports #collegefootball #football #halotingata #oregon #oregonducks #ravens #baltimoreravens