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Who Was Joe Paterno?
Joe Paterno, born on December 21, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prominent collegiate football coach known for his long tenure at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). After graduating from Brown University in 1950, Paterno joined the Penn State coaching staff under Charles “Rip” Engle. Following 16 years as an assistant coach, he succeeded Engle as head coach in 1966.
Paterno led the Penn State Nittany Lions to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969, and again in 1973. However, his illustrious career and reputation were overshadowed by a child abuse scandal that erupted in 2011, when it was revealed that he had concealed information regarding the actions of his former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky was subsequently convicted of numerous charges related to child molestation, forever tainting Paterno’s legacy.
Joe Paterno Movie
In 2018, HBO released the film Paterno, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Al Pacino in the titular role. The film chronicles Paterno’s involvement in the scandal that marred his career and the impact it had on his legacy.
Death
Following his departure from Penn State, Paterno faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2011. Although initially believed to be treatable, Paterno succumbed to the illness on January 22, 2012, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.
Family Life
Paterno met his wife, Suzanne Pohland, while she was a student at Penn State. The couple married in 1962 and raised five children together.
Coaching Achievements
Paterno’s coaching career at Penn State was remarkable. Over 46 seasons, he led the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl appearances, securing 24 wins. In October 2011, he achieved a significant milestone when Penn State defeated Illinois, marking his 409th career victory, which made him the all-time leader in wins among Division I coaches at that time.
Joe Paterno Statue
In 2001, a statue honoring Paterno was unveiled on the Penn State campus, commissioned by his wife and friends in recognition of his contributions to the university’s football program. However, the statue was removed in 2012 in response to the fallout from the Sandusky scandal.
Career Highlights
Paterno’s coaching career began with a challenging first season, recording five wins and five losses. However, he quickly transformed the football program into a powerhouse. His leadership and commitment to the team earned him the affectionate nickname “Joe Pa” and made him a beloved figure at Penn State. Notably, he turned down an opportunity to coach the New England Patriots in 1973 to remain with the Nittany Lions.
Paterno’s achievements included leading the team to two National Championships, in 1982 and 1986. In recognition of his contributions to college football, he received the Sportsman of the Year award from Sports Illustrated in 1986.
The Sandusky Scandal
Shortly after achieving a record-setting victory with his team, Joe Paterno found himself embroiled in a significant scandal. His former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, was charged with the sexual abuse of eight boys over a 15-year span. In 2002, Paterno was made aware of a potential incident involving Sandusky at the university’s sports complex, yet he reportedly took minimal action to investigate the allegation. When this information became public, Paterno faced intense criticism for his perceived lack of response to the reported assault.
On November 9, 2011, Paterno announced his intention to retire at the season’s conclusion; however, the university’s board of trustees decided to dismiss him that same day. After 46 years of coaching, Paterno’s illustrious career concluded under a shadow of controversy. In his final moments in the spotlight, Paterno expressed his concern for the alleged victims of Sandusky, stating, “I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.”
Paterno later reflected on the situation, admitting, “I didn’t know exactly how to handle it,” regarding the allegations against Sandusky. He explained, “So I backed away and turned it over to some other people, people I thought would have a little more expertise than I did. It didn’t turn out that way.”
Legacy
Despite the tarnishing scandal that marked the end of his tenure as head coach at Penn State, Paterno will also be remembered for transforming the university’s football program into a national powerhouse and for mentoring approximately 350 players who went on to play in the NFL. Beyond athletics, Paterno was a committed supporter of the university, contributing over $4 million throughout his time there.
Paterno is survived by his wife, five children, and 17 grandchildren. In a statement, his family remarked, “He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others, and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players, and his community.”
Early Life
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joe Paterno was a standout athlete before dedicating his life to coaching. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and following his military service, he attended Brown University, where he excelled as the school’s quarterback and led his team to an 8-1 record during his senior year. After graduating from Brown in 1950, Paterno joined his college coach, Rip Engle, at Penn State University as an assistant coach. He settled in at Penn State, marrying Suzanne Pohland in 1962, and they had five children, all of whom later graduated from Penn State.