Remembering Joe Paterno

The sports world mourns Joe Paterno.

Fans and Friends Say Goodbye - Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away Sunday from complications resulting from lung cancer. His triumphs include winning more games than any other coach in major college, yet his firing last November, stemming from the child molestation charges waged against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, would tarnish his 61-year career with the university. Despite controversy, the outpouring of support in light of Paterno’s passing shows that his legacy will live on.  —Britt Middleton  In 2000, former Penn State defensive back Adam Taliaferro was a freshman playing under the guidance of Paterno when he suffered a horrific spine injury that nearly paralyzed the young player. He told ESPN that Paterno flew out to Philadelphia to visit him in the hospital every other week. "I can't tell you wha...

1 / 9

Fans and Friends Say Goodbye - Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away Sunday from complications resulting from lung cancer. His triumphs include winning more games than any other coach in major college, yet his firing last November, stemming from the child molestation charges waged against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, would tarnish his 61-year career with the university. Despite controversy, the outpouring of support in light of Paterno’s passing shows that his legacy will live on.  —Britt Middleton  In 2000, former Penn State defensive back Adam Taliaferro was a freshman playing under the guidance of Paterno when he suffered a horrific spine injury that nearly paralyzed the young player. He told ESPN that Paterno flew out to Philadelphia to visit him in the hospital every other week. "I can't tell you wha...

Forever Remembered - "Joe's legacy will always be intact because we won't let Joe's legacy die," said former Penn State star Lydell Mitchell, according to the Associated Press. Mitchell played for Penn State from 1968-1972.(Photo: Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images)

2 / 9

Forever Remembered - "Joe's legacy will always be intact because we won't let Joe's legacy die," said former Penn State star Lydell Mitchell, according to the Associated Press. Mitchell played for Penn State from 1968-1972.(Photo: Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images)

More Than Just a Coach - ''(During recruiting,) Paterno was the only coach that didn't talk about football. He talked about life and what life had to offer at State College. While I did not go there and went to Michigan State, he was the only coach to call me and wish me luck,” former Michigan State wide receiver Nigea Carter, told the Associated Press.(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

3 / 9

More Than Just a Coach - ''(During recruiting,) Paterno was the only coach that didn't talk about football. He talked about life and what life had to offer at State College. While I did not go there and went to Michigan State, he was the only coach to call me and wish me luck,” former Michigan State wide receiver Nigea Carter, told the Associated Press.(Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Spirit of Change - "What he's done for me, it's amazing how I live my life, and I know, in large part, it's basically due to how much that man challenged me,” former Penn State lineback LaVar Arrington told SB Nation.(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

4 / 9

Spirit of Change - "What he's done for me, it's amazing how I live my life, and I know, in large part, it's basically due to how much that man challenged me,” former Penn State lineback LaVar Arrington told SB Nation.(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Legacy of Success - “RIP to Coach Joe Paterno, one of the greatest college coaches of all time,” Washington Redkins linebacker Brian Orakp said, via Twitter. (Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)

5 / 9

Legacy of Success - “RIP to Coach Joe Paterno, one of the greatest college coaches of all time,” Washington Redkins linebacker Brian Orakp said, via Twitter. (Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)

ADVERTISEMENT
Parting Words - “R.I.P Coach Joe Paterno you were a blessing to college football and you will not be forgotten #LEGEND,” said New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan, via Twitter. (Photo: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

6 / 9

Parting Words - “R.I.P Coach Joe Paterno you were a blessing to college football and you will not be forgotten #LEGEND,” said New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan, via Twitter. (Photo: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

One of a Kind - ''Few people are responsible for building something that will last forever. ... Coach Paterno was first and foremost an educator, whose immeasurable contributions to Penn State, the coaching profession and the entirety of college sports, will be felt permanently. That is the legacy of a great leader,'' Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski told the Associated Press.(Photo: AP Photo/Jim Gerberich, File)

7 / 9

One of a Kind - ''Few people are responsible for building something that will last forever. ... Coach Paterno was first and foremost an educator, whose immeasurable contributions to Penn State, the coaching profession and the entirety of college sports, will be felt permanently. That is the legacy of a great leader,'' Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski told the Associated Press.(Photo: AP Photo/Jim Gerberich, File)

Paying Respect - “A true legend in college football... RIP Joe Paterno you will be missed...guy who did it to his end…May God bless him and his family,” said Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith, via Twitter.(Photo: AP Photo, File)

8 / 9

Paying Respect - “A true legend in college football... RIP Joe Paterno you will be missed...guy who did it to his end…May God bless him and his family,” said Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith, via Twitter.(Photo: AP Photo, File)

Jerry Sandusky Speaks Out - ''This is a sad day! ... Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition. Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached. Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life,'' said Jerry Sandusky, the retired Penn State assistant coach who faces child sex abuse allegations, according to the Associated Press. The embattled coach has denied the claims. (Photo: AP Photo/Paul Vathis, File)

9 / 9

Jerry Sandusky Speaks Out - ''This is a sad day! ... Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition. Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached. Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life,'' said Jerry Sandusky, the retired Penn State assistant coach who faces child sex abuse allegations, according to the Associated Press. The embattled coach has denied the claims. (Photo: AP Photo/Paul Vathis, File)