Almost 20 years after leading Penn State to its first national title, former Nittany Lion quarterback Todd Blackledge is still trying to make a difference.

Blackledge spoke to more than 300 people in the ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn yesterday. He talked about his days at Penn State, his time in the National Football League and his drive to make an impact with those he comes in contact with today as a college football analyst for CBS.

"I believe the people that are the difference makers in today's world are the ones that never stop learning," he said. "A difference maker is someone who holds himself responsible for his actions and is willing to make mistakes and learn from them."

Blackledge reminisced about being in Happy Valley and talked about how much he enjoyed his experiences. He also discussed how much it has grown since he left.

After graduating from Penn State and moving on to the professional ranks, Blackledge said he looks at Penn State as his "birthplace."

He added that he believes a lot of what he has accomplished today is based on what he learned during his Penn State years.

Although Blackledge had success on the football field at Penn State, few people knew that as a Penn State student, Blackledge had the opportunity to apply for a Rhodes scholarship. Blackledge says that not applying is something he regrets today, but said he feels he has made the most out of his opportunities.

In the spring of 1983 the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the first round. Despite being the top pick of the Chiefs, Blackledge career never panned out the way he would have liked. Blackledge said, that at times he became frustrated and upset because he was not playing. He finished his career in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform in1989.

"I am a perfectionist," he said. "Certain things happen that you don't necessarily agree with. Sometimes God has a different path for you go. I did not always see it the same way He did but eventually I understood."

Today, Blackledge works for CBS and covers Southeastern Conference football games. When he is not working, he helps his wife to raise their three boys, all under the age of six years old. Blackledge said he tries to instill in his children a strong belief in God and a desire to be their own person.

Blackledge went on to talk about today's role models and how he does not think that they live up to some of the standards he believes in, which he blamed on society and the media.

"I think we are more attracted to the guys that don't do good for today's society," he said. "You should never lose sight of the sport you play."

Blackledge ended his speech by talking about the four rules he thinks makes a difference maker. He spoke of discipline, humility, perseverance and accountability in all actions.