"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.






.