JoePa's Virtual Birthday Party

What's older than JoePa?

2008-12-23T12:36:00.000-05:00

FanIQ unsurfaced a video from CSTV (now under the CBS umbrella) asking PSU fans to name which was older, Joe Paterno or certain historical inventions.

The mechanical cotton picker (1927)
PEZ candy (1927)
Bubble gum (1928)
Antibiotics (1928)
Scotch tape (1930)
Frozen food (1930)
The first canned beer (1935)
Ballpoint pen (1938)
And, get this, JoePa is older than sliced bread, which was invented in 1928.

Video:

JoePa before he was "JoePa"

2008-12-23T00:20:00.004-05:00

Davis over at Onward State found some archived stories about JoePa from the 1950s and 1960s. Something tells me your PSU profs would be pleased with your research skills, Davis. Some great quotes and perspectives from before Coach Paterno was the legend he is today.

Happy Birthday JoePa messages still coming in

2008-12-22T16:18:00.003-05:00

Image 528804: Matthew Stockman/Courtesy of Getty Images Sports

Quite simply, Joe Paterno is the reason why I root for Penn State Football.

In 2003, I saw a documentary on ESPN Classic about Joe Paterno and his love for his players. He broke down and cried in the interview. It really got me. I said: "If that's the sort of coach that Penn State have, then I'm rooting for Penn State." I really haven't looked back since - even though 2003 and 2004 were less than fun (I can name the 6-2 home defeat to Iowa as just one of the less-than-memorable losses".

But since then, he's turned around what had been a flagging program. 2005 - with the decision to play outstanding freshmen Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams- was a banner year for Penn State, with the roars ringing round Happy Valley in celebration of a Big Ten title. Then, the cheers were louder in Florida a month or two later after an emotionally exhausting Orange Bowl victory. The 2006/7 season brought forth another winning season and another January bowl victory. 2007 wasn't wonderful - but PSU still won a Bowl game, and 2008 once again saw the phoenix rise from the flames, the Nittany Lions celebrating with a journey to the Rose Bowl and their second Big Ten title in four seasons.

In those four years, Joe Paterno's cemented his iconic status. What other 80-year old injures his hip demonstrating an onside kick, or becomes the hero of Happy Valley for telling a driver that his girlfriend was "his problem"?

He's cranky, but he's got passion - and another three years.

Thanks for everything Joe Paterno.

Alex Ferguson

http://viewfromnorthamerica.blogspot.com

JoePa birthday wishes, continued

2008-12-22T15:57:00.003-05:00

Image 72111472: Doug Pensinger/Courtesy of Getty Images Sports

Dear Joe,
Happy Birthday to the greatest football coach who ever lived--not just for the victories you have gained for Penn State but for the ideals, integrity, and character you have instilled in young men for over forty years. Whether you won or lost, you did it the Penn State way--with class. You made the "Grand Experiment" a great success. Have a wonderful 82nd birthday. (I'll always remember the day, after I dropped my kid off at the beginning of the school year, and stopped into the football building to watch some of the players lift weights. You came walking in, and, even with your busy schedule, took the time to talk to me and shake my hand)

Sincerely,
Robert Werner, class of 1965

Happy Birthday JoePa, from Krissy

2008-12-22T15:50:00.003-05:00

Image 1786463: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sports

From Krissy, who sent in her thoughts on JoePa. Not too late to send yours in- JoePaBirthday@gmail.com. Thanks!

I wanted to get in to say that JoePa is one of the most class acts I know.

Joe Paterno has coached for decades, and done a spectacular job at it. He gives 100% while coaching. But his coaching is not what I love most about him. What I love most is how he takes care of his boys. He does whatever he can for them. And what does he expect in return? 100% from them, just as he gives. He teaches them to be responsible. If they really mess up, he doesn't allow them to play in the game, regardless. He does what is best for them and for their future, as well as what is best for the community. That is because our JoePa has his priorities straight.

JoePa is also known as an "educator and a philanthropist." He and his wife Sue contributed $4 million towards departments in the college and towards a spiritual center. He also helped raise $13.5 for the local college library (Pattee)

I also like that he's a regular guy. He's humble. He has enough money to have others do things for him (pick up his cleaning, whatever), yet he walks around town like any other guy, and does his own errands. I stood next to his wife at Joel Confer Toyota's as she picked up her Toyota . It wasn't later until somebody whispered, "There's Sue Paterno!" She was your average lady, yet very classy! I don't know what I was expecting to see, but I thought they would be people a little more removed from the community. They weren't.

JoePa has five kids and 16 grandkids. I watched his son get married at the local Catholic Church. The family is Catholic. How cool is that?

Happy birthday, Joseph Vincent Paterno. We're not likely to ever forget you!

- Krissy Knox :)

my blog: http://sometimesithink-krissy.blogspot.com
find me on twitter: www.twitter.com/iamkrissy

Didn't get your wish in on time? Don't fret.

2008-12-21T22:00:00.002-05:00

Didn't get your birthday message for JoePa submitted before we blew out the candles?

Don't worry, we'll be keeping the site updated and active through the Rose Bowl. So keep sending your bday messages, favorite stories, videos, and pictures, to JoePaBirthday@gmail.com or posting in the comments.

Once the festivities surrounding the Rose Bowl have calmed down, we'll put all the birthday messages and submissions together to send to JoePa. So you still have time to be included!

Happy 82nd Birthday Coach Paterno!

Image 56520573: Al Bello/Courtesy Getty Images Sports

2008-12-21T19:00:00.001-05:00

HAPPY 82ND BIRTHDAY COACH PATERNO!

Love,
The Fans

Keep on spreading the word, Happy Birthday JoePa!

2008-12-21T18:39:00.002-05:00

Thanks for spreading the word about the birthday party ILovePSU.com. And for your vote for the Top 82 Reasons! "Come to Penn Staaaaaate"

Happy Birthday JoePa! Almost time to blow out the candles

2008-12-21T17:45:00.004-05:00

More bday messages! Thanks for sharing, keep 'em coming! Blowing out the virtual candles at 7 pm EST! Post in comments or email JoePaBirthday@gmail.com

Dear Coach: Just want to wish you a Happy Birthday on your 82nd and to congratulate you on your new contract. Hope you'll be around for a long time. Trust your rehab is going well and that we'll see you back on the sideline soon. Looking forward to a great game with USC and another victory for the Lions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the family.

Dick Schaefer, PSU '53

Clearwater, FL

Image 598662: Matthew Stockman/Courtesy of Getty Images Sports

JoePa birthday around the blogosphere

2008-12-21T16:48:00.005-05:00

More birthday wishes from around the blogosphere:

SIDElines

Happy Birthday Joe Paterno! At 82, your spirit is like that of a 20-something. You are a man who knows enthusiasm and determination. You have proven through 43 years of coaching Penn State football that little if nothing will stop you from doing what you love.

Also thanks to 50-Yard Lion and sportsinnews.com for spreading the word.

Image 598666: Matthew Stockman/Courtesy of Getty Images Sports

Top 82 Reasons We Love JoePa

2008-12-21T16:28:00.002-05:00

I'm challenging all you PSU fans out there... let's come up with the Top 82 Reasons We Love JoePa...

Post yours in the comments and we'll update the list as we go!

Image: 507504, Jaime Squire courtesy of Getty Images Sports

1) He stands alone- 43 seasons as head coach at one school... it's mathematically very improbable any current head coach will ever be able to duplicate that! - Brittany Lane

2) He has lived in Central PA for 50 years but still has a thick Brooklyn accent. -Diane DiPiero

3) He had his 1987 team dress in sport coats and ties as they arrived for the National Championship Fiesta Bowl, while the Miami Hurricanes arrived in fatigues. Not intimidated by Miami's dress code, the Nittany Lions went on to beat the Hurricanes 14-10 and claim a national title. -Diane DiPiero

4) He believes in old-fashioned practices, like having players hand the ball to the ref after they've scored. He's just a very classy guy!! - Diane DiPiero

5) Committment to his Family, namely Sue, children and now grandchildren. Sue is the one who deserves an award for staying with Joe! - Vince Verbeke

6) At Penn State there is a building named for a President and one for a legendary Coach. Unlike, other universities, the Coach got the library! As a humanitarian and a person, Joseph Vincent Paterno is second to none! - Awkward Rick

7) 41 ACADEMIC All-Americans under Paterno. - The Anderer Family

8) His enduring enthusiasm for football as a sport and for his players as people, while somewhat rare, is inspiring. - PSU girl

8) JoePa is not only a dedicated family man and coach, but he is also a dedicated teacher as well. - bullettheblue

9) He's also a fierce actor..."Come to Penn State!" :) - bullettheblue

10) Joe Paterno will never die. He has earned the right. ;) - bullettheblue

11) I worked at a camp outside State College, and the level of admiration for Joe Paterno was amazing, but not surprising. I even bought myself a JoePa mini bobblehead key ring. I'm a Wisconsin alumna, but respect for the man knows no team loyalties. He is a legend -bullettheblue

12) And you have to admire a man who told Nixon to shove it! - bullettheblue

13) His kidney stone-passing plea for recruits to "come to Penn State" in those Big Ten television commercials. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfLYO3F4D78 -The Anderer Family

14) Two words: Whale Pants -The Anderer Family

15) My mom took 12 years of night classes at PSU - Delaware County campus and earned her degree in 1993. My dad had written Paterno and asked if he could send a quick note of congratulations to my mom. Needless to say, he did and today it sits framed on top of the computer desk at my parents'. Class act. -Kevin McGuire

16) Joe Paterno is exactly the kind of coach we all admire. He is humble, hard working,loyal to this school and his guys,and gives every game and practice everything he's got. Wish there were more college coaches like him. It has never been about the fame nor money for him or his family, he loves the game of football and all that it entails.. What a life legend. -Jane

17)He spoke in favor of a college playoffs 30 years ago, and has never backed down. - drozz

18)He does what's best for the kids and college football, and not what's best for the networks. - drozz

19) Integrity-He does what is right regardless of the consequences. -drozz

20) He IS Penn State-on and off the field, he embodies everything the Nittany Lion stands for. - Devon Edwards

21) I love JoePa because...he is one tough son-of-a-gun! How many other people, let alone 82 year olds do you know that could bounce back from a broken leg and a hip replacement surgery in such quick fashion? I can only hope to be that resilient when I turn 28 forget about 82! - Brian

22) Gas was $0.35 when Joe Pa took the job at Penn State -Ryan Stephens

23) Joe is just a good 'ole fashioned "OLD SCHOOL" coach, through and through. When I heard he broke his hip DEMONSTRATING the right way to atempt on onside kick, I couldn't believe it. God Bless you Joe Pa! WOW - Meglyn

24) One more reason to love JoePa: He still holds the Brown University record for career interceptions (14). - The Anderer Family

25) JoePa must be concerned about the environment: Wears the pants rolled up to save water washing them! - mzisek

26) He inspires Halloween costumes

27) Not many coaches get their own ESPN montages

28) 2008 pep rally speech "I've never been alone..." 6:35 min mark

29) Because he just signed a contract extension!

30) The fans rushed the field before the last couple seconds ran off the clock. Rather than raise a stink about it, Joe just ran across the field and conceded the game, and shook some hands and took his team off the field. It's just classy. - Johnny

31) Fans' extensive memorabilia

32) Joe was nothing but gracious in signing my hat and making small talk with a young boy who was in awe of his presence. I told him I wanted to play linebacker for him one day and he smiled. "Keep on working hard in school," he reminded me, "it's the most important thing you can do for now." I must have had a grin on my face for weeks. - Jordan

33) never failing hospitality that you show my students each time we come to visit PSU from Alexandria, VA. - Leslie

34) The race with Bobby Bowden to have the highest number of wins

35) Respected by other coaches enough for them to send messages to this blog: thanks to Bobby Bowden, Vince Dooley, and Mack Brown

36) We were all expecting some lame cartoon that tried to encourage young children to read but lo and behold, the video was of Joe and his wife, Sue, extolling the virtues of reading. ... I wasn’t the biggest fan of curling up with a book and to do so at our age back then was considered rather “nerdy”... However, when somebody else say…the coach of your favorite sports team starts telling you the same thing, you damn well start listening. - Happy Hour Valley

37) Peachy Paterno ice cream at Penn State Creamery... on second thought...this should be way higher

38) Paternoville camp outs

39) The ever-present black Nikes

40) The blog roll listed on this site and others- all dedicated to PSU

41) “I feel good. There’s no reason for me not to think that I can go for a while. Now, how long is a while? I don’t know.”

42) At 82, your spirit is like that of a 20-something. You are a man who knows enthusiasm and determination. You have proven through 43 years of coaching Penn State football that little if nothing will stop you from doing what you love. - Gail

43) He’ll never quit, he’s a man who truly loves what he does. Happy birthday JoePa.

44) He is a legend in the game of college football and it is sad that his marathon is down to it’s last couple of miles. You would think that Paterno will be done in several years but The Sultan knows that he might shock us all and coach until he’s 100. No one thought he would continue for this long in the first place. Keep on keeping on, Joe. - The Sultan of Sport

HAPPY 82ND BIRTHDAY JOEPA!

2008-12-21T11:42:00.001-05:00

TODAY is the big day!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE PATERNO!
We'll be blowing out the virtual candles at 7 pm EST so come back and join the party.

Fight On State says Happy Birthday

2008-12-21T11:36:00.004-05:00

The folks over at the Fight On State message board have started a 'Happy 82nd Birthday to Joe Paterno' thread here: http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=157&f=1395&t=3640127 :D

Image 355666: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images Sports

Birthday Cake Fail

2008-12-20T18:08:00.002-05:00

So we're thinking this may not be the best person to get for JoePa's birthday cake hahaha

JoePa pictures slideshow, courtesy of Getty Images

2008-12-20T18:01:00.000-05:00

UPDATED: New photos added
A slideshow of Joe Paterno pictures over the years, provided courtesy of: Getty Images

To buy Getty Images photos of JoePa, click here.

Zombie Nation says Happy Birthday

2008-12-20T16:18:00.001-05:00

Thanks Zombie Nation!
http://www.zombienationpsu.com/2008/12/wish-joe-paterno-happy-birthday.html

Fond feelings toward JoePa haven't changed much

2008-12-20T15:04:00.005-05:00

JoePa's birthday seems to bring back great memories every year. Here's a post from 2 years ago, JoePa's 80th birthday, from The Phanatic Magazine.

I've only met him a handful of times. I feel like he's family. But that's a common emotion if you are or were a Penn Stater. Along with an ice cream flavor and a multi-million dollar library, Paterno gave students every Saturday in the fall. ... But when asked what I'll always remember about that encounter, I never waver. He, as always, was wearing black running shoes. One was from Nike, the other from adidas. Penn State's title sponsor would not have been happy. Maybe he was in a hurry. Maybe he had a senior moment. Maybe Sue Paterno couldn't find the other Swoosh in the coat closet. Yet, I won't remember that moment for the humor. I'll remember it because I didn't care. I was in the presence of college football's greatest coach.

Hook 'em Horns! Mack Brown wishes JoePa a Happy Birthday

2008-12-19T23:26:00.009-05:00

Renowned Longhorns coach Mack Brown took the time out of his busy Fiesta Bowl prep to send us a Happy Birthday message for his friend, Joe Paterno. Thanks Coach Brown! Best of luck vs. the Buckeyes!

"Coach Joe,

Happy 82nd Birthday! Thanks for all you've done for college football. The number of players and coaches you have touched during your career is unbelievable. I like and enjoy you so much, and appreciate your advice and friendship more than you can ever know! I can't wait to see you on the Nike Trip! Here is to many more good years of coaching at Penn State.

Your Friend, Mack Brown"

I think we'll all echo that- Let's go Penn State in the Rose Bowl!

JoePa makes reading look cool

2008-12-19T15:24:00.008-05:00

A great JoePa story from Happy Hour Valley, a Penn State blog:

I suppose the closest thing to a “story” would be gathering with my 3rd grade class along with the rest of my elementary school in our school’s library for a special video presentation. We were all expecting some lame cartoon that tried to encourage young children to read but lo and behold, the video was of Joe and his wife, Sue, extolling the virtues of reading. ... I wasn’t the biggest fan of curling up with a book and to do so at our age back then was considered rather “nerdy”... However, when somebody else say…the coach of your favorite sports team starts telling you the same thing, you damn well start listening. After watching the video, I made a more concerted effort to read more often as a youth, something that I feel contributed to my writing abilities over the years and may very well be the reason why this blog even exists to begin with. So, in retrospect: Thank you JoePa, for making reading look cool.

<-- I don't know about you, but if a man with this facial expression in his arsenal tells me to read, well... I'm doin' it.

Image 72112205, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Sports

Georgia Legend Vince Dooley and Wife Send their Best to JoePa

2008-12-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

"Congratulations to our good friend Joe on this momentous birthday.............but then again in our profession, every birthday is momentous......May God continue to be with you and may all of His blessings be with you as you begin another decade not only in life but in this profession called "coaching........" --Vince and Barbara Dooley

Bobby Bowden Wishes Coach Paterno a Happy Birthday

2008-12-19T15:14:00.000-05:00

In the midst of all of his preparation for the Champs Sports Bowl, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden took the time to send JoePa a Happy Birthday wish. Thanks Coach Bowden! Happy Birthday from one legend to another... love it!

Hmmm... Nov 8th, 2009, Coach Bowden turns 80... virtual birthday party part two?? Seems like they both could keep going forever!

Link to your own video messages in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday@gmail.com!

Messages for JoePa

2008-12-19T14:38:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Leslie and Andrea for a couple more personal messages for JoePa. Share yours by posting in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday@gmail.com.

"Dear Coach Paterno,
Thank you for all that you and Sue have done for Penn State University. Also, thank you for your never failing hospitality that you show my students each time we come to visit PSU from Alexandria, VA. We love you at T.C. Williams High School!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!
Leslie A. Jones
Teacher, T.C. Williams High School
Alexandria, Virginia"

From Andrea:
"You remind me of my own Dad every time I see your smiling face. He had a football scholarship to Penn State in the 40's that his mom wouldn't let him accept because all his older brothers were off to war and Elmer was the only man left at home with aging parents. He would have done the university proud just as you have. Congratulations, Joe, many more!"

Personal pics with JoePa

2008-12-19T14:06:00.004-05:00

Thanks to several people for submitting personal pictures of them with Coach Paterno. Cool to see people's personal moments with JoePa!

From Brian:From Dan:

Joe Paterno was presented the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award in May, 2000. Award given by Pennsylvania Dutch Council of the Scouts, presented by Dan Augustine (2004 PSU IST Grad) formerly of Troop 88, Millersville, PA.

Getting ready to 'bake' JoePa's birthday cake

2008-12-19T13:48:00.002-05:00

Lifelong PSU fan met JoePa as a youngster

2008-12-18T23:40:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Jordan for submitting his favorite memory of Joe Paterno:

Image 82911469, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Sports

"Love the website. A great tribute to a great man on so many levels. On Joe Pa's birthday, I thought I'd share my favorite memory of the living legend.
As a boy raised in State College, I was born in to Penn State fandom. My parents took me to worship at the church of Joe Pa every crisp Autumn Saturday. My favorite memory of Joe Pa, though, took place in Rec Hall at a basketball game. It was sometime in the late '80s and I was no more than 7 years old. Penn State was putting the finishing touches on another victory in the Atlantic 10 and the crowd had started to dissipate as the clock ran down. My father and I sat right above one of the portals when I looked down and saw Joe Pa himself standing in the entrance watching the final minutes of the game before beating the crowd out of the arena. My dad encouraged me to go down and meet him and, being the nerdy engineer type that he was, handed me the Sharpie he kept in his shirt pocket in hopes of getting an autograph. Joe was nothing but gracious in signing my hat and making small talk with a young boy who was in awe of his presence. I told him I wanted to play linebacker for him one day and he smiled. "Keep on working hard in school," he reminded me, "it's the most important thing you can do for now." I must have had a grin on my face for weeks. As a proud youngster, I couldn't bear to preserve the hat instead of wearing it everywhere. Unfortunately, I never passed 5'9" and of course my football dreams never panned out. I still have the hat, faded and worn as it is. I still have Joe Pa's sentiment too. Next spring, I will graduate with my medical degree from none other than Penn State, an accomplishment I'm sure Joe would have been just as proud of as a sack record. Thanks Joe Pa, for a memory and inspiration that I will carry with me until my 82nd birthday. Happy Birthday!"

Submit yours in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday@gmail.com

Blogs spread the word... Happy Birthday JoePa!

2008-12-18T12:34:00.005-05:00

Thank you to all the folks out there spreading the word about the virtual birthday party! Here's a couple I haven't posted already.
Alana G.
Black Heart Gold Pants
Attention Moms
The Nittany Line
2 The Lion Football

One blogger's Penn State shrine

2008-12-18T00:40:00.008-05:00

Brian over at Dear Old State shared with me a post of his about his collection of PSU and JoePa memoribilia... love it! I'm a sports memorabilia junkie myself!

A few of my favorites:

-official Beaver stadium end zone pylon and first down marker (how they were acquired is classified sorry) ... - autographed commemorative Joe Paterno 324 magazine ("Pasta with Paterno" -2002) ... - Pictures of myself and Joe from two of the three times I met him

Here's a couple, but check out Brian's post for more. Anybody else have PSU shrines?

Happy Birthday JoePa on the blogs

2008-12-17T22:58:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who has added their thoughts and birthday wishes for JoePa! Here's a couple blogs talking about the party!

"Dear JoePa, Happy Birthday! Love, the Internet" posted by The Business of Sports

Normally when you wish someone a happy birthday, you call them, send them a card, or for the more Internet-focused, you send an e-card or write on their “wall.” Well, what if you have a larger-than-life public figure that hundreds and thousands of people would like to say happy birthday to? That is the perfect recipe for a massive viral campaign, and that’s exactly what’s happening right now with Joe Paterno’s 82nd birthday.

Johnny over at Mountainlair (WVU) reminds us about the high level of respect for JoePa throughout the college football world and shares his favorite memory of Coach Paterno:

I've had my fun making fun of Joe Pa. But at the same time I have a lot of respect for Joe that I think I have more than mentioned on here over 3+ years. ... My fondest memory of Joe was the 1984 game that West Virginia broke the 28 game losing streak to PSU. I was there, and 14 at the time so I was young enough to get reeeeeally excited about it and old enough to understand how big it was. So that's the most sincere thing I can say. It was the biggest victory you could imagine. The fans rushed the field before the last couple seconds ran off the clock. Rather than raise a stink about it, Joe just ran across the field and conceded the game, and shook some hands and took his team off the field. It's just classy.

Thanks Johnny! If you're headed down to Charlotte (my neck of the woods) for WVU's bowl, hope you have a blast!

JoePa Halloween costume tribute!

2008-12-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

Great picture from Woody B., PSU alumni in Florida! Thanks for sharing. Everyone keep 'em coming. Post a link in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday@gmail.com.

Keep spreading the Happy Birthday JoePa news

2008-12-17T01:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks www.LucasOnSports.com!

In honor of Coach Paterno’s birthday a group of people have started a virtual surprise party for the legendary coach. I heard about it on Twitter from Lisa Hoffman. It is a site that has been set up to honor the coach and let fans submit stories, videos, pictures etc. It is a cool use of social media to honor an old school coach in a new school way. Check it out and submit your favorite memories!

Everyone keep spreading the word and posting your favorites in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday at gmail dot com.

JoePa 3 year contract extension!

2008-12-17T01:14:00.001-05:00

JoePa's 3 year contact extension made him one of the most talked about topics of the past few hours! According to CLT tweets on Twitter, posted around midnight EST: "Most popular topics in the last 6 hours: christmas, blog, joepa, virtual, snow "

QB Kevin Newsome's announcing his commitment to PSU probably didn't hurt either...

A Happy Birthday message to JoePa

2008-12-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

Great message from Charles! Post yours in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday at gmail dot com

Happy Birthday, Coach Paterno!

While I did not play for you at Penn State, I have always admired you! You make it easy for the rest of us to say, “I played college football…you know, the sport that Joe Paterno coaches!” Instant credibility and respect.

Enjoy, and thanks for EVERYTHING that you have done for all of us in the college football world!

Sincerely,

Charles Davis
University of Tennessee Letterman
1983-1986

JoePa 2008 pep rally speech. Instant Classic.

2008-12-16T23:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Julie R. for this one from the pep rally a few weeks ago, JoePa's passionate speech... this speech alone may need to be on the 'Top 82 Reasons' list:

Keep sending 'em in folks! Post a link in the comments or email to JoePaBirthday at gmail dot com

Reason #12: Paterno told Nixon to shove it.... a blogger investigates.

2008-12-16T21:36:00.000-05:00

"From 12) And you have to admire a man who told Nixon to shove it - bullettheblue"

Thanks to Davis over at Onward State blog (Follow on Twitter @OnwardState) we have further explanation and investigation into Paterno's comments on Nixon:

Paterno, Pennyslvania’s governor, and Penn State fans responded angrily. As a penance, Nixon decided to award a plaque to Penn State lauding the team for having the sport’s longest unbeaten, untied streak.

When the White House called Paterno to extend Nixon’s invitation, the coach responded, “You tell the president to take that trophy and shove it.”

Paterno wasn’t over it after that though. In a commencement speech for the class of 1973, Paterno asked the graduates “I’d like to know, how could the president know so little about Watergate in 1973 and so much about college football in 1969?”

Love it!

'Top 82 Reasons We Love JoePa' Reason #14: Two words: Whale Pants

2008-12-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

Heeheehee! Thanks Anderer family!!! The infamous whale pants!!(Daily Collegian photo, 1996)

Coach Paterno circa 1970s

2008-12-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

Great Joe Paterno picture circa 1970, from the LIFE archives hosted by Google.

Joe Paterno in the news

2008-12-16T16:19:00.000-05:00

Links to a couple recent articles on Coach Paterno:

Joe Paterno counting the days to USC and the Rose Bowl - L.A. Times

Paterno, PSU closing in on new contract - Bob Flounders, The Patriot News

"I was made for you..." - JoePa ESPN tribute

2008-12-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Here's my personal favorite, the pre- and post-game tribute to Joe Paterno that ESPN did with the Ohio State game. Can't wait for the Rose Bowl :)

What's your favorite JoePa video or moment? Post in the comments.

"Come to Penn Sttaaaaate"

2008-12-16T14:32:00.000-05:00

From the Anderer family... this is one of my faves too. Just shows how unique JoePa is in the college football world.

Agree/disagree? What's your fave? Share with us in the comments.

Paterno's Hall of Fame speech

2008-12-15T19:41:00.000-05:00

'RayLewisEatsPeople' votes for JoePa's Hall Of Fame speech as a favorite:

Agree/disagree, share your fave in the comments or e-mail to joepabirthday at gmail dot com.

Surprise Virtual Birthday Party for Joe Paterno!

2008-12-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to the JoePa's Virtual Birthday Party blog. The legendary Penn State coach is turning 82 this Sunday, Dec. 21st, and we want to celebrate with a surprise party online! Throughout the week we'll be posting blog entries asking for you to share your favorite JoePa memories, quotes, pictures, videos, and your birthday message for JoePa. You can do so by posting in the comments, or by e-mailing your pictures and videos to 'joepabirthday at gmail dot com'

Have a great picture or story about meeting JoePa? Have a favorite YouTube tribute video? Share it with everyone. And don't forget to come back on the 21st to say Happy Birthday!

We'll upload the best onto the blog and at the conclusion of the party, the best submissions overall will get a PSU Season In Review DVD or PSU Big Ten Champions hat!