Christian Hackenberg Gets Personal About NFL Career, Penn State Turmoil & Life After Football

Christian Hackenberg was set to become Penn State's next heisman winner, but not everything went according to plan. Before Christian made it to Penn State's campus, the NCAA imposed the strictest sanctions in NCAA history on Penn State's football program. However, through all the turmoil, the departure of his Head Coach Bill O'Brien, and challenges Christian experienced on and off the field, Christian Hackenberg blossomed into an NFL prospect and saved Penn State Football from the ashes. For the first time ever, Christian Hackenberg is ready to open up about his NFL career, playing days at Penn State, and his life after football. You are NOT going to want to miss this.
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TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Why Christian Stays Away from the Spotlight
04:53 - Life After the NFL
06:11 - Christian’s Recruiting Process and the Culture of Recruiting
10:01 - How 7 on 7 is Changing HS Football
11:54 - The Secret to Christian’s Early Success
14:40 - Deciding on Penn State
17:01 - Handling Early Success as Big Ten Freshman of the Year
18:45 - Being a Celebrity on Campus and Penn State’s Savor
21:32 - Doing a Keg Stand with Bill O’Brien on the Phone
23:12 - Reacting to Bill O’Brien’s Departure
27:19 - Regret Staying at Penn State?
28:34 - Weekend Bender After the Michigan Game
31:17 - Dawn Patrol with Coach Craig Fitzgerald
32:59 - Deciding to Leave Early for the NFL
35:40 - Junior Year Struggles
38:49 - Getting Drafted by the Jets & Dealing with New York Media
42:19 - What if the Texans and Bill O’Brien Drafted Christian…
44:10 - Veterans Who Helped Christian
46:33 - Why Getting Drafted in the 2nd Round SUCKS
49:29 - Hardest Moment of Christian’s Career
53:00 - How Christian’s Wife Helped Him Throughout His Career
54:20 - Reflecting on NFL Career
57:27 - Favorite Moment in Christian’s Career
59:52 - How Should Fans Remember You?
01:01:18 - Reacting to the Penn State Sanctions & Why Christian Didn’t De-commit
01:07:33 - What’s Next for Christian…
01:09:10 - Best Piece of Advice
01:11:04 - QB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft?
01:13:39 - Funniest Recruiting Stories
#pennstate #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #cfb #football #NFL #jets

[@jonathancoker8540]

With y’all both staying during the tough period meant a lot to us Penn State fans. Proud of both of y’all. Don’t care how careers played out, always will be a fan because of that.

[@lukeeisenberger4872]

That sanction team era is one of my favorite teams all time no matter how successful other eras are

[@tylersipl3]

With yinz both staying* Proud of both yinz* Lol

[@blacksteve133]

“The tough period” referring to the outing of multiple sexual assaults by the coach and old Joe Pa?

[@mikem.1420]

@@blacksteve133 yea that one..these ppl are fuckin delusional, PSU cult mentality

[@Matt-mj1xh]

@@blacksteve133 The tough period for the fans would’ve been the time afterwards when the NCAA sanctioned the hell out of the team and the entire program could’ve easily folded.

[@Wollis22]

The 2013-2015 teams were a time for the core PSU fans to really come together and fall in love with the team. Thank you Hack and we hope you come back for a game

[@stephencarroll5238]

From the true Penn State fans, we thank you for being one of the few big names that came and stayed! If Bill would’ve stayed, you would’ve been top 5. Still appreciate you for going #WeAre!

[@coreyallen6041]

Hack will always be the man. Still one of my favorite players of all time. Sticking around and being a leader during the sanction era is a testament to his character. I was sad his career never took off in the NFL, but what he did at PSU was bigger than football, for so many people. So... Thanks Hack - and thanks Adam for doing these! Good luck in April too CH! I just became a dad last year and its the best job in the world. Best wishes to you and your fam!

[@terrencewalker4880]

Both took the path less chosen and will be PSU legends for eternity. Thank you guy for all you did for the programs and continuing the tradition

[@comcoff1728]

Nothing but gratitude to the guys that stayed, Hack was a warrior!!!

[@1463drm]

First of all, great interview by Adam. Very impressed with what you’re platform and the way you go about your craft. Second, I can’t begin to thank both of you for what you have meant to PSU. I’m a die hard Nittany Lion fan and I have the utmost respect for you two men. God bless and just remember that both of you will always be welcome in Happy Valley for life. WE ARE!

[@jackstraw6880]

I get chills whenever I hear either of your names or the names of anyone from your freshman class. That’s how much you will always mean to PSU football. God Bless your futures!

[@12Lionheart]

You are a legend at Penn State, CH. We will never forget you.

[@brendonreid4758]

such a good pod. Guys like Hack and you who stayed the course through the worst time in Penn State history made a huge difference in this program. We will always be grateful

[@dboy912]

As an Ohio State fan, always respected and appreciated what Hack did for Penn State. Would have been a shame if that ball kept rolling down hill. Will never forget that 14' OSU-Penn State game. Hack left it all out there

[@jonathancoker8540]

Great episode Adam. Much respect to Hack for opening up and appreciate the great work. I don’t think your class gets discussed enough for the integral part y’all all played in keeping the program intact. Despite having winning records every year while y’all played, the legacy and impact y’all left will always be remembered

[@timleicht9756]

Great job Adam! Thanks to both you and Christian for what you did at Penn State. I hope in the near future you and your teammates are recognized for your accomplishments and saving the program!!!

[@theodore3219]

Great interview. As a Penn State fan since I can remember back in the early 90s to now a 10 year season ticket holder I lived through all of this and can relate a lot. All I want to say is thank you for doing it the penn state way and handing on the tradition to the next bunch. It meant and means a lot. Impossible time in the history to carry the torch and you guys did it and kept the program not only afloat but primed to thrive again. Nothing but respect and gratitude. I'll remember 14 as one of the saviors. Hope nothing but the best for both of you in the future. One ❤

[@j.matthewfangman8533]

Great to hear from Hack. I found him on a few podcasts this past season and loved hearing his take on things. So many great memories from those years. My wife and I bought our season tickets when the turmoil started to help support the team. We now have 4 seats and are taking our kids to the games. Look forward to hearing more from you both.

[@brandonschmitt2609]

This is classic. I could’ve easily watched another hour of this conversation! Thanks guys ,

[@Alexleight]

I was a student the same time as you guys. I even had a class with you and I gotta say that team meant a lot to us because of athletes like you staying through it.

[@jake4919]

Hackenberg seems like a great guy. Jets fan here.

[@samaulicino4202]

I'm old enough to say I started going to Penn State games back before they even had night games and Hack is the top of my list of all time favorites. Hearing his take on those how he navigated through those challenging years at PSU was nice. Great interview.

[@sgw107]

Adam, great interview. I am Penn State alumni and was there when Lavar was there. Again, thank you for staying! Christian really highlighted the effect of them staying. I like how this was not buttoned up and you guys were talking like we all did in college. Would like to hear Christians thoughts on the current team some time. But he had some tough times there, glad to see he's ok now.

[@brandonb9016]

I think you all have great character. It was a very tough situation. Glad you all stayed, that could not have been easy with the regime and system change. People forget it was almost a re-construction and still never had a losing season. Glad to see you are coaching and know you will help those young men reach their potential and succeed in life.

[@christianluciano2383]

Adam next summer you gotta get a podcast with Hack, Trace, Sean and Allar. That would be a fun experience to have all the QBs who experienced Penn State after and during the dark age.

[@joeydaglio7655]

Hack was great thank you both for the memories.. We Are

[@mikescatena5732]

Dude, listening to your mental struggles is so relatable. I’m in sales and it can be a major up and down career and man those demons are transitory. I’ve felt the same way multiple times, obviously not the attention part of it but the self doubt and being in a dark place. Good on you for getting through it. Maybe you should start doing some motivational speaking bro bc a lot of what you said helped me and resonated with me.

[@devinkeyes1027]

what a dope guy. salute to you christian . and adam as well

[@lindsaylauverbower]

We love ya both!! WE ARE!!!

[@scottlosey4978]

From a life long Husker fan, I had a great appreciation watching how tough this kid was.......I didn't follow him closely, but he seemed to be a real team guy.

[@akeemcalaman2029]

❤ thank you for all you did hackenburg

[@mattconley]

Hell of a pod, great dudes

[@davmarch1]

Great podcast. Y’all did so much for Penn State.

[@jonathancoker8540]

My first Penn State game in person was that TaxSlayer Bowl vs Georgia. I was so upset when Hack got hurt

[@bigghago]

Loved those teams they fought adversity and still gave us some great wins! Thanks hack and adam

[@jordansandberg207]

Loved this and will never forget the Michigan 4 OT game for as long as I'll live. Also the part about sitting on the couch drinking beers and ordering Wings Over was very relatable 😂

[@patriciohernandez-collado9567]

Thank you for sticking around - take pride in knowing we are all forever grateful for what you meant to this program!

[@udotcarter]

Will always be a Hackenburg fan. Dude is heavily under appreciated. I still feel that if BoB stayed, he would’ve had a very promising NFL career.

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

Hack, Godwin, Saquon, Mike G, Hamilton, Chico , Miles, so much talent at that time

[@justinalley3399]

all penn state needed at that time was a better QB

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

@@justinalley3399 Hack was legit though

[@jasonmumford5196]

@@TheSportsandFilmFellowship I’m glad he stayed with the program despite what was going on, but he wasn’t the greatest quarterback. He benefited a lot from Allen Robinson who could catch every pass thrown his way. I got tired of the inaccuracy; either over someone’s head or at their feet.

[@Ty-ml7ze]

2023 roster got Abdul Carter, Kalen king, chop Robinson, Dani Denis Sutton, adisa Isaac, Curtis jacobs, olu fashano, nick singleton, kaytron allen, drew allar, and theo Johnson. Those are all STUDS 2023 will be very fun

[@kmart93]

Hackenberg and Saquon are the two guys in recent memory who I would have loved to see play behind even an average offensive line at Penn State... even so, we'll always remember guys like Hackenberg for helping keeping things going when he easily could have bailed.

[@wallacesmith865]

I’ve said the identical thing for years. Saquan would have won the Heisman by a mile

[@divyeshpatel9997]

I was in the Blue Band from 2014-2018 and even though people gave a lot of heat to Hack and the team, we all knew and were really proud that he and the rest of the sanction teams stayed with us through it all, even risking their career just for the Blue & White. We love you both! We Are!

[@Austin-xn5fo]

Love both of you guys #WeAre

[@michaelzinn1169]

Hackenberg does deserve a ton of credit for keeping the Penn State football program afloat during those stormy years for the program.

[@SchoolboiiiT]

Christian is spitting facts about the 7on7 scene, kids should be able to be kids and just enjoy the game without comparing themselves and being worried about rankings.

[@gw5331]

This guy is BRILLIANT 💯🙏🏿

[@ajsimpson.11]

Idk if u would do it bc he’s life off the grid but this makes me want a Connor cook pod him and hackenberg give great stories and nobody’s heard from them

[@jessefluke]

Whatever you may think of hackenberg he did right by penn state and psu fans should honor him for that!!!!He is a legend

[@johnvillella1087]

Hope Drew Allar watches this!

[@thegreyhorse]

As a Penn State fan, hearing that Hack was pretty miserable his sophomore year….we could tell. BUT, the fact that both AB and him stuck it out, makes them true Penn State legends.

[@iracheckla2964]

Hackenberg and O'Brien saved the PSU program from disaster. He should always be warmly and graciously welcomed in State College.

[@SchoolboiiiT]

Comparison is the thief of joy, love yours.

[@zanderweeks8379]

Great show you should get Paxton Lynch on the show! He’s had a crazy journey

[@jonathancoker8540]

John Donovan on any team as your coordinator can’t be good. Also, I was saying on Draft Day, I hope a team would draft Hack that could help his confidence and develop him more. Was hoping anywhere but New York Jets. Was hoping for Houston and O’Brien to take him in 2nd or 3rd round so he had familiarity. Got excited when Houston traded up in the 2nd round.

[@xKeniichii]

I cannot agree with this more. John Donovan has no business coaching ever. I know we're not the athletes going to meetings and practicing, but there's a huge noticeable difference in Hacks' expression of playing a water downed playbook that made no sense. I was hoping he would stay with Moorehead. I think he would've regained that confidence and composure to be the great QB he believed himself to be with Billy B. When he declared I totally understood why. I had to tell everyone that was mad to be like dude he's mentally checked out being on his ass all the time with no help or growth as an athlete from John. I knew he was gonna leave after his Sophomore year. I felt so bad for the entire team, but I watched so many films on Hack I was super pumped he was coming to Penn State. Like he was a generational talent, and we all knew that. I just wish he had to tools in his hands that his coaches should've provided him to succeed, but they didn't unfortunately. Again, this is just from the outside from an assumption standpoint. Awesome podcast and interview. Glad I watched it. All the best to you both. You guys are both legends to us in the community here at State College. What you did to commit to come here and literally save this program from being a trash-tier team and made a success story out of it was nothing but incredible, but also courageous of you all. We appreciate you greatly.

[@jeffreyhowell9270]

This dude is an awesome interviewer.

[@jeffreyhowell9270]

Probably one of the best that I have ever seen, in fact. Adam Breneman.

[@danflin9583]

My guy came over and dropped some knowledge

[@11oakleyman]

Get Saquon on please. Somehow, someway, figure it out

[@Kyle06531]

14.2k subscribers, 14k views. That's a solid following there.

[@ChrisMac00]

Christian said he's from NEPA but didn't say where? Being from Mount Carmel PA and playing for that HS and I was wondering why he left n went to VA instead? Aren't you from Mahanoy City Tamaqua? Your dad play at Marian Catholic?

[@sloganloanseal]

I've done work in Mt. Carmel. Hit up the vine street deli for me lol. That place is a gem.

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

We are

[@mshive2]

Great interview. Thanks for sticking through that time! Appreciate the recognition of what Penn State is.

[@cjcanale3357]

Thank you to both of you🫡

[@coleveeder117]

The loaded Jets qb room of Bryce Petty and Josh McCown

[@PSU2024]

Not one topic on Franklin who coached him for 2 years. Nothing on the transition from O'Briens offense to Franklins. Very telling. C'mon Adam ask the tough questions.

[@Crispy44652]

I picked up on that too. I get the vibe neither of these guys are Franklin fans. If they aren’t fans, I doubt they want to bring any negativity to the program. Just best not to discuss it.

[@darbyvintagevideo4488]

For sure. Wish we knew a little bit more about why he had “no development” in those two years under Franklin. How does the staff not try to get the most out of the starting QB?

[@PSU2024]

@@darbyvintagevideo4488 After Hacks last game he was thanking everyone and mentioned many people but Franklin. Very obvious there was an issue there. Hack did not fit Franklins offense at all. Under O'Brien they spread them out and let Hack sit in pocket and use his big arm to push the ball downfield. With Franklins offense they were running many read options when Hack was never a run threat. They weren't fooling any defenses thinking Hack was gonna pull the fake handoff from the RB and run himself. Under Franklin Hack also had Franklins worst OC by far in John Donovan. It was a disaster all the way around.

[@mshive2]

I see these comments on this comment, but don't you see JF as evolving? Wonder what both would say about playing for Yurcich and JF now?

[@PSU2024]

@@mshive2 Yurcichs a great OC.. IMO.

[@raystudevent7446]

Takes guts to admit his mistakes and I forgot he was only 17-20 years old

[@TremainHaywood]

Bro as a kid I had dreams of going to Penn State. My son asked me what school I wanted to go to as a kid I was scared to tell him Penn State smh

[@blakeolberding9078]

Anyone else think Christian looks like Kyle Schwarber

[@allanhee]

Chan Gailey doesn't/didn't develop QBs. The only QB in recent history that played well under Gailey was Ryan Fitzpatrick.

[@vaughnparker8512]

I remember when this dude threw a dime to Robbie Anderson in Preseason. Robbie because a solid player Hack never grew from that! 😢

[@paulwall5706]

Hack 👍🏈👍

[@nolanspicer938]

Dudes got more party stories than wins in college. No wonder he didn't make it in the NFL

[@hammah.mko15]

Lol

[@derwoodstacknick5591]

CH got screwed by JF!

[@Berserker.v88]

Fork union goat

[@jvisionsthepodcast]

Ask Jesus to encounter you bro , God has greater things in store for you much more than what the world or the enemy can offer you. This also goes for anyone who reads this message.God bless much love ✝️❤️

[@jasonvoorhees6416]

Least they stayed unlike the cowardly lion silas “yellow belly “ red

[@DecemberSkyfire]

Really appreciate him for coming here when it wasn't fashionable to. But he seems a bit delusional on his abilities, tbh.

[@tedbierbaueriii3492]

Sorry Christian, you just weren't worth the hype

[@stephenmoist623]

Adam and Hack, You guys want us to donate to HVU fund Retain The Roar. The link is ONLY posted on the on3 message board and EVERYONE is saying the link is not posted on the different social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and PSU important websites !!!! What’s up with that ? I don’t have your email so I hoping you see this comment and please put the link in important places. The goal is $500,000 and we’re never gonna reach it UNLESS you post the link in the right area’s like to the Alumni as well. Also need to get the PSU guys involved who’s in the NFL now !!!!