Lavar Arrington Biography

LaVar RaShad Arrington was born on June 20, 1978, and played as a linebacker in the National Football League for seven seasons. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and was selected second overall in the 2000 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. Arrington recorded personal-best times of 10.85 seconds in the 100 meters and 23.14 seconds in the 200 meters while competing in track and field. He played for Penn State from 1997 to 1999 under coach Joe Paterno. On a fourth and short yardage play, Arrington anticipated the snap count and jumped over the offensive line to tackle the runner in the backfield. His standout performances and a cover appearance on the 1999 Sports Illustrated College Football Preview Issue led to mention as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. In 1999, Arrington received the Chuck Bednarik Award, Dick Butkus Award, and Lambert Award during his college career.