The People of Penn State
Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!
Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!
The People of Penn State
The Football Letter Podcast Special: OJ McDuffie / New York City Chapter
The People of Penn State is expanding!
Each week during the Penn State Football season, we're bringing you a bonus podcast, featuring interviews with Nittany Lion lettermen and volunteer leaders who bring the mission of the Alumni Association to life.
The Football Letter Podcast will live right here in The People of Penn State universe and can be found in all of the same places you already listen to the flagship show!
In our debut episode of The Football Letter Podcast, we're joined by OJ McDuffie, Penn State football letterman, nine-year NFL veteran, Miami Dolphins Walk Of Fame honoree, and founder of the Catch 81 Foundation.
OJ takes us through his many memories of playing at Penn State and in the NFL, the purpose of his Catch 81 Foundation, the impact the University has had on his life, and much more.
We also talk with Kevin Cei, President of our New York City Chapter, about why he chose Penn State, his role as president, and the chapter's NIL initiatives.
Learn more about OJ's Catch 81 Foundation on its website
Follow OJ on X and Instagram
Listen to his Miami Dolphins podcast "The Fish Tank" here
Get involved with the New York City Chapter by visiting its website
Follow the chapter on:
Facebook
X
Instagram
LinkedIn
Learn more about the Penn State Alumni Association: alumni.psu.edu
Follow the Penn State Alumni Association on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Timestamps
0:00 — Intro
0:55 — Welcoming OJ McDuffie to the show
1:53 — Connecting with Penn Staters at the Rose Bowl
3:05 — Why OJ was drawn to Penn State as a recruit
5:34 — The evolution of Penn State's offense in the 1990s
8:24 — Memories of the 1992 Fiesta Bowl win over Tennessee
11:03 — Becoming a 1st round pick of the Miami Dolphins
12:20 — Transition from Penn State to the NFL
14:15 — Ad Read - The Penn State Alumni Association Game Day Page
15:10 — The mission of the Catch 81 Foundation
17:35 — West Virginia is back on the schedule
18:37 — What makes Beaver Stadium so special
20:10 — The Success With Honor mantra
24:35 — Thanking OJ for his time
24:53 — Football Letter emeritus John Black takes a look back on the historic Penn State-West Virginia series
27:07 — Welcoming Kevin Cei to the show
28:30 — How Penn State became the school for Kevin
29:25 — The success of Penn State's meteorology program
30:10 — Becoming involved with the New York City Chapter
32:01 — What it's like leading the chapter
33:52 — Football game watch parties
37:06 — The New York City Chapter's initiative with NIL
46:08 — How to get involved with the NYC Chapter
47: 55 — John Black recounts the time Joe Paterno held up the team plane for him after a West Virginia game
48:55 — Outro
