The longtime head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, Joe Paterno, was formally proclaimed the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in college football in a historic and monumental announcement that has enthralled the college football community. This honor elevates Paterno above other legendary players in the sport’s illustrious past, including as Earl Campbell (Texas), Bo Jackson (Auburn), Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State), Herschel Walker (Georgia Bulldogs), Mike Leach (Texas Tech), and Tim Tebow (Florida Gators).
This enormous honor honors a man who, for more than 40 years, became identified with a football program, a university, and a culture of reliability, excellence, and integrity. It is not merely a celebration of wins and records.
From 1966 to 2011, Joe Paterno, who is lovingly referred to as “Coach Paterno” or just “JoePa,” was the head coach of Penn State. At the time of his retirement, he was the most successful coach in NCAA Division I football history, having accumulated an astounding 409 career victories over 46 seasons. Under his direction, Penn State has 37 bowl appearances, two national titles (1982 and 1986), and five seasons without a loss.
Beyond the victories, Paterno stood for a tradition and loyalty that are uncommon in sports at any level. Throughout his coaching tenure, he remained at a single program, infamously declining expensive offers from elite collegiate programs and NFL teams. His support of the “student-athlete” concept influenced Penn State’s academic and athletic culture, and under his direction, graduation rates continuously stayed high.
In addition to leading Penn State’s admission into the Big Ten Conference in the early 1990s, Coach Paterno was instrumental in establishing the conference’s reputation and growth. His impact extended beyond academia, influencing college football nationwide.
Joe Paterno’s reputation as the greatest of all time stems from both his record-breaking career and his indisputable legacy. His trademark black cleats, rolled-up jeans, and thick glasses came to represent traditional discipline and hardness. He impacted the lives of thousands of players, staff, and supporters throughout many generations as a mentor, educator, and leader in addition to being a coach.
Paterno made a huge impact on the sport and the lives of everyone around him, despite the complexity of his legacy. Through his vision and generosity, he elevated Penn State’s academic standing and helped turn the Eastern independent into a national football powerhouse. Paterno and his spouse, Sue, gave Penn State millions of dollars in scholarships and library donations.
Fans of the Nittany Lions and college football fans nationwide still carry Paterno’s name in their hearts today. This most recent distinction validates what many already thought: Joe Paterno is the foundation of collegiate football history, not simply a part of it.