Counting down the best western Pennsylvania football players picked in the NFL Draft

Paul Posluszny’s football journey began in the blue collar town of Hopewell and took him all the way to the NFL. 

In places like Hopewell, discipline, toughness, and hard work aren’t just values, they’re a way of life.

Posluszny emerged from Hopewell High School as one of the top linebackers in the state, earning all-state honors and attracting national attention from college recruiters. 

Posluszny picked Penn State, a program known for producing elite linebackers, and quickly made his mark. 

Under the guidance of Joe Paterno, Posluszny became the face of “Linebacker U,” was a two-time All-American, and one of the few players in college football history to win the Chuck Bednarik Award twice, given to the nation’s best defensive player. 

He also claimed the Butkus Award and left Penn State with more than 370 career tackles and a reputation as one of the smartest and hardest working players to ever suit up at Happy Valley. 

In 2007, the Buffalo Bills selected Posluszny in the second round of the NFL Draft. 

Playing for the Bills, Posluszny’s relentless motor and leadership made him a fan favorite.

He battled through injuries early in his career, but continued to develop into a reliable force in the middle of the defense. 

In 2011, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played the final seven seasons of his 11-year NFL career.

As a Jaguar, he was named a team captain year after year, leading by example with film study, locker room leadership, and on-field production. 

He finished his NFL career with over 1,200 tackles, 16 sacks, and seven interceptions.

Poslusznly retired in 2018 — not with fanfare but with the same quiet dignity that defined his career as a player who never chased headlines but always earned a respect and as a true professional who gave everything to the game and left it better than he found it.