Dan Connor is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants. He now works as a defensive analyst at Penn State University. Here is an update on his journey.
In high school…
Connor, a native of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, attended Strath Haven High School where he excelled as a four-year starting linebacker, earning the title of the number one linebacker in the country. He was also recognized on the USA Today Top 25 Supreme Team and participated in the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
During his junior year, Connor rushed for over 1,500 yards, scoring 29 touchdowns, and recorded more than 160 tackles and 3 interceptions on defense. In his senior year, he rushed 231 times for 1,807 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also contributing 141 tackles, 11 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
Having started in 59 consecutive games, Connor played a key role in the team’s impressive 56–3 record. He concluded his high school career with notable achievements, including 461 tackles, 38 sacks, 19 interceptions, 591 carries for 4,556 yards, and 77 rushing touchdowns.
In College…
Connor played football for coach Joe Paterno’s Penn State Nittany Lions team from 2004 to 2007. He received All-America honors during his junior and senior seasons and surpassed Paul Posluszny on November 3, 2007, to become the all-time leader in career tackles at Penn State.
In the 2008 Senior Bowl, Connor made a game-high nine tackles and intercepted a pass from Colt Brennan, earning him the game’s Under Armour Award as the North team’s MVP.
Coaching career…
In September 2014, Connor was hired as a linebacker coach at West Chester University under Bill Zwaan. In January 2016, he accepted the head coaching position at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Moving on, in January 2018, Connor became the defensive coordinator at Widener University. Most recently, in February 2022, he joined the staff at his alma mater, Penn State, as a defensive analyst.
Here’s a conversation I had with Dan when he was the Defensive Coordinator at Widener…
