"Heroes Get Remembered, But Legends Never Die" RIP Joe Paterno

"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong." - The Babe in the movie Sandlot




Whether we braced for it last night with the false, yet soon to be correct reports from CBSSports, or you woke up this morning to the news; everyone felt a sense of saddened shock upon hearing that long time Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed at age 85 after complications from lung cancer.


Though I never had the chance to meet JoePa, as few of us from outside the University actually did, I have had my opportunities to visit Happy Valley in my short time here. Each time I felt compelled to visit the Paterno statue outside of Beaver Stadium. It was almost like a calling to any college sports fan, to see the resemblance of a man that withstood the test of time as a coach and a human.


The all-time winningest coach in Division I football was not just the head of a program, he was the face of a University and an icon in the sport. Students who never put on football pads went there because of Joe Paterno. Sure there were other reasons, but the chance to be a part of the Nittany Lions football tradition was the main sticking point.


Paterno, who was from Brooklyn, went to Brown to become a lawyer, found a calling and a passion and he stuck with it for more than a half-century. Joining the school in the mid-50's, for 45 years he was the head coach of Nittany Lions football. He lived on the campus of Penn State, was beloved by students and community members so much that rallies were staged when he was relieved of his coaching duties in November. A true family man, he was not just a coaching icon, but someone whose life was so fulfilling, it makes you want to emulate him more.


In his final interview with The Washington Post, Paterno stuck with his tradition as a family man. One who was honest, pure, and kept private matters, well, private. When asked about his gut reaction to former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky's sexual abuse scandal, Paterno said "I've had a wonderful experience here at Penn State. I don't want to walk away from this thing bitter."


Unfortunately, he may have. What is upsetting to many, especially in the immediate aftermath of his passing, is the way he was dismissed from Happy Valley. A lot of people, analysts and former players alike, feel as though his leaving PSU began a downward trend in his health. Little did we know that less than three months after that, he would be gone from us. Believe what you wish, but this man WAS Penn State. The only thing he loved more than PSU was his family. He was one of the lucky ones, someone who did what he loved and loved what he did. When he lost one of the things he loved the most, he lost the will to live.


The beautiful part about history is that, for most people, we remember icons for their achievements and not their descent. Soon enough, we will all look fondly on the memory of Joe Paterno has the coach that made Penn State a powerhouse in football and a longing destination for many. We will remember his joyous smile at seeing people happy and the passion for his job.


That is the legacy of Joe Paterno, that is the memory of a true legend. He will always be remembered, and he will never die. Thank you, Joe. Rest In Peace.






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2011 NFL Playoff/Award Predictions

In what has been a highly entertaining, controversial, and somewhat annoying NFL season we are now ready for the, say it with me, "POST. SEASON! GET EXCITED!" Here are what I think happens beginning this weekend in the wild card round:

NFC Wild Card


#6 Detroit @ #3 New Orleans - Is there any doubt what the most potent offense in the NFL is? Maybe Green Bay and maayyyybe New England. But Drew Brees and company will rock the Superdome this weekend and end a brief return to the playoffs for the Lions. Saints win 37-23.

#5 Atlanta @ #4 New York Giants - The Giants playoff season began two weeks ago when they won a "road" game at the Jets and continued winning the division crown over the Cowboys on the final day of the season. The Falcons have one of the worst secondaries in the league this season and for some reason, I think Big Blue's defense will step up at home against Matty Ice. Giants win 27-20.

AFC Wild Card


#6 Cincinnati @ #3 Houston - Apparently Andy Dalton has spent the last couple of nights sleeping by the toilet (you're welcome for that image) and hasn't practiced. Still, that defense is very underrated and will make life hell for TJ Yates. However, Arian Foster won't be denied. Texans win 20-16.

#5 Pittsburgh @ #4 Denver - Somehow, Tim Tebow has led his squad to a division title and in to the playoffs. All week the talk has been about how he will handle a recent three game skid and the fact that Ryan Clark will not play. Though it "technically" is an upset, the Steelers are favored and will cover the 8.5 spread. Steelers 24-14.

NFC Divisional Round


#3 New Orleans @ #2 San Francisco - If you didn't believe in a sports "East Coast Bias" it was relevant this year with the Niners. However, I'm not a believer in the media and feel San Fran is the best TEAM in the playoffs right now and their defense proves it. On to the next one. 49ers 24-20.

#4 New York @ #1 Green Bay - As much as I love my Giants, and truly think they have a great shot at knocking off the Pack (like they did on their trip to the Super Bowl four years ago) something won't let me pick New York in this game. Aaron Rodgers goes for 350 and 3 scores. Packers 27-21.

AFC Divisional Round


#3 Houston @ #2 Baltimore - The AFC North Champs are still playing pretty solid defense and Ray Rice is a motivated human. CAA Bias in this one as Joe Flacco (UDEL) pushes the Ravens past a suspect Texans squad. Ravens 24-10.

#5 Pittsburgh @ #1 New England - This is a difficult game for me. New England is bad against the pass but Big Ben is hurt and will be even more after Dumervil and Miller get to him the previous week. However, Pittsburgh has the best pass defense in the league and unless the Pats draft Trent Richardson tomorrow, they won't run the ball. Steelers win it 30-21.

NFC Championship Game


#2 San Francisco @ #1 Green Bay - The match up that I think is the Super Bowl two weeks early. Home field advantage may go to the Packers here, but the best defense and an offense that doesn't make a lot of mistakes (despite having a sub par QB in Alex Smith) win on the road. Niners back in the Promised Land 20-17.

AFC Championship Game


#5 Steelers @ #2 Baltimore - For the second consecutive year Pittsburgh plays in the AFC title game but this time against a division rival. The Ravens have been a solid squad all year despite have a few up and down weeks. John Harbaugh is a very good coach and by this point, Roethlisberger will be too damaged to be effective. Ravens 21-17.

Super Bowl


AFC Champion Ravens vs. NFC Champion San Francisco (The Harbowl)- So I may have given away my pick with my NFC prediction but the NFL gave away the champ back on Thanksgiving. The Niners cap off an incredible season and return to the glory days of Montana-Clark, Young-Rice and Coach Walsh. San Fran, Super Bowl XLVI Champions 24-17.

Postseason Awards


Offensive Rookie of the Year - This is an easy no-doubter. The guy was the #1 overall pick and shattered records from opening day. The Panthers had a good "bounce-back" year and may have their quarterback of the future. Carolina's Cam Newton.

Defensive Rookie of the Year - The Broncos deserve something for their devout faith in what everyone calls a "flawed quarterback". The defense got very little credit during Denver's winning streak and Von Miller was a huge part of that. Well done, Rook.

NFL Coach of the Year - If Rookie of the Year wasn't a no-brainer, this one sure as hell is. You win a Super Bowl (I think) in your first season? San Francisco's Jim Harbaugh the easy choice here.

NFL MVP - Can Peyton Manning seriously win this without playing a snap? Seriously, no; but shouldn't he? Drew Brees broke records, Tom Brady was impressive, but Aaron Rodgers was DOMINANT. And he wins Most Valuable Player.




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