ESPN NEWS: Penn State to Honor Joe Paterno with Posthumous Legacy Award in Powerful Tribute to Coaching Icon
STATE COLLEGE, PA — In a moment expected to resonate across generations of college football fans and stir a deep emotional response in the Penn State community, the university has announced that it will present a posthumous “Legacy of Excellence” award to former head coach Joe Paterno.
The tribute, planned for a primetime ceremony at Beaver Stadium during the 2025 homecoming weekend, marks the first time the university has formally honored Paterno since his passing in January 2012. The decision comes after more than a decade of reflection, institutional healing, and renewed evaluation of Paterno’s immense contributions to Penn State and the sport of college football.
“Joe Paterno’s impact on this university, and on college football as a whole, is undeniable,” Penn State President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi said in a statement. “This award is not a rewriting of history, but an acknowledgment of a legacy that shaped generations of student-athletes, transformed our institution, and left a mark on the game we love.”
Paterno, who coached the Nittany Lions for 46 seasons, became synonymous with Penn State football and was once the winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. Known for his “Grand Experiment,” which emphasized academic achievement alongside athletic excellence, Paterno coached five undefeated teams, won two national championships (1982 and 1986), and mentored dozens of All-Americans, NFL stars, and future leaders beyond the field.
The university has carefully developed this recognition over the past three years, consulting with alumni, university trustees, former players, and members of the broader State College community. The result: an award grounded in transparency, context, and a commitment to remembering the whole of a man who devoted his life to a university.
As part of the tribute, Penn State will unveil a bronze “Paterno Legacy Wall” in the Lasch Football Building, featuring quotes, photos, and milestones from his career, as well as testimonials from former players who credit him with shaping their lives.
“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without Coach Paterno,” said NFL Hall of Famer and former Nittany Lion linebacker Jack Ham. “He taught us discipline, leadership, and character. He held us to a higher standard.”
The decision is not without its complexities. In 2011, Paterno’s storied legacy was overshadowed by the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. The university emphasizes that the award is not an attempt to overlook that painful chapter, but rather to recognize Paterno’s broader impact over a half-century of service and leadership.
A portion of proceeds from the homecoming event will be directed toward scholarships for underprivileged students and a new ethics and leadership initiative at the university’s College of Education—reflecting Paterno’s long-standing commitment to learning and civic responsibility.
The ceremony, set for October 18, 2025, is expected to draw a massive crowd. Paterno’s family, including wife Sue and their five children, will attend. The event will feature speeches from former players, university officials, and Big Ten leadership, alongside video tributes and a moment of silence.
“This is about balance and legacy,” said Athletic Director Patrick Kraft. “We can honor Joe Paterno’s profound influence while remaining committed to the lessons learned from our past. This is not about glorification—it’s about remembrance.”
As Penn State prepares to face Michigan that night under the lights, the atmosphere in Happy Valley will be more than electric—it will be historic. One final “We Are” chant may echo louder than ever, not just for the game, but for the man who made the words a national symbol.
