Joe Paterno Quotes

A collection of quotes by Joe Paterno.

Joe Paterno (1926-2012) was an American college football coach hailed as one of the most successful and respected figures in the sport's history. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Paterno attended Brown University and played quarterback on the football team. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he joined the coaching staff at Penn State University in 1950.

Paterno spent his entire coaching career at Penn State, eventually becoming the head coach in 1966. Over the next 46 years, he achieved unprecedented success, leading the Nittany Lions to two national championships (1982 and 1986), five undefeated seasons, and 37 bowl game appearances. In 2011, Paterno became the winningest coach in the history of college football, surpassing Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Beyond his impressive coaching record, Paterno was also recognized for his commitment to academics and integrity. He emphasized the importance of education and encouraged his players to prioritize their studies. Known as "JoePa" to his players and fans, he became a beloved figure in the Penn State community, celebrated for his honesty, loyalty, and dedication to the program.

However, Paterno's legacy was marred by a scandal in 2011, when it was revealed that his former assistant, Jerry Sandusky, had been involved in the sexual abuse of minors. Paterno was criticized for not doing enough to stop the abuse, and he was ultimately fired by the university. He passed away in January 2012, leaving behind a complicated and controversial legacy in the world of college football.