Bill O'Brien, new Penn State coach
"It is with great sadness that I am compelled to deliver this message of condolence and tribute to a great man, husband, father and someone who is more than just a coach, Joe Paterno. First, on behalf of Penn State Football, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Paterno family for their loss. We also offer our condolences to the Penn State community and, in particular, to those who wore the Penn State colors, our Nittany Lion football players and alumni. Today they lost a great man, coach, mentor and, in many cases, a father figure, and we extend our deepest sympathies. The Penn State Football program is one of college football's iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor. Our families, our football program, our university and all of college football have suffered a great loss, and we will be eternally grateful for Coach Paterno's immeasurable contributions."
Former PSU defensive coordinator/interim coach Tom Bradley:
"The world has lost a great man who will live on in so many of our hearts forever."
"Coach Paterno never believed that his role as 'Coach' ended after practice, or when the fourth quarter wound down, or when a student-athlete graduated. He was a coach for life. I am deeply grateful to have had Coach Paterno in my life. He was the epitome of class and his spirit will live on in all of us who had the great honor of knowing him and running out of the tunnel with him on so many autumn Saturdays."
Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville:
"When you think of college football and its tradition, you can't help but picture those dark glasses, black shoes and plain uniforms that were his style and mark on Penn State University. I have had the great fortune to coach against Coach Paterno four times during my career and each time I came away from those contests with a greater understanding of the game of football. A true highlight of my career, has been a 30-year relationship with Coach and his wife Sue.
"Like many coaches, I grew up watching and learning from one of the greatest tutors and mentors of the game. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing and wish to extend my condolences to Sue and the rest of the Paterno family."
Nebraska athletic dircetor Tom Osborne:
"I am saddened to hear the news of Joe Paterno's passing. Joe was a genuinely good person. Whenever you recruited or played against Joe you knew how he operated and that he always stood for the right things. Of course, his longevity over time and his impact on college football is remarkable. Anybody who knew Joe feels badly about the circumstances. I suspect the emotional turmoil of the last few weeks might have played into it. We offer our condolences to his family and wish them the very best."
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer:
"I was very fortunate to have been able to develop a personal relationship with him, especially over the course of the last several years, and it is something that I will always cherish."
Big Ten comissioner Jim Delaney: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Paterno. His passing marks a tremendous loss for Penn State, college football and for countless fans, coaches and student-athletes. Our condolences go out to the Paterno family and to the entire Penn State community."
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey"
"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Paterno. His long career at Penn State is unrivaled and his accomplishments as the winningest coach in major college football will certainly not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett:
"Sudan and I were saddened to learn of Joe Paterno's passing. His legacy as the winningest coach in major college football and his generosity to Penn State as an institution and to his players, stand as monuments to his life. As both man and coach, Joe Paterno confronted adversities, both past and present, with grace and forbearance. His place in our state's history is secure."
Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship:
"Through him, we all witnessed and learned lessons of respect, loyalty and of course "success with honor. "The biggest tribute to Joe Paterno, though, isn't the library with his name on it, the stadium expanded numerous times during his tenure, or even the thousands of players who've gone on to exemplify his leadership philosophies. No, the most significant tribute to Joe Paterno is the millions of fans . . . When we lead our lives with generosity, commitment and humility, we carry on the legacy."
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson:
R.I.P Joe Paterno many years at high success.. Legacy leads on!! Sendin my prayers to all friends an fam of the Paterno's
Erin Andrews:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Paterno family..Thinking of all my Joe Pa memories & 1/2 time interviews..Rest in peace Coach
Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney
"Sad to hear bout the passing of JoePa. My prayers go out to him & his family & everyone involved with the PennState program"
Former Penn State receiver Jordan Norwood:
"At a loss for words... One of the most influential men in our nations history. By his passing PSU nations grows even stronger. Love you Joe"
Former PSU assistant coach Kermit Buggs:
"R.I.P Coach. I owe you so much! My prayers are with the Paterno family and the Penn State Family. #WeAre"
Cowboys tight end Jason Witten
"So sad to hear the news of Joe Pa's passing! What an impact he made on college football! Many prayers for the family"
Penn State All-American Devon Still: "We should not be discourage by his death but encouraged by his life..it would be a blessing to impact others the way he did"
Former Penn State wide receiver Graham Zug
"Rest In Peace Coach. You have been my idol. You are a one of a kind man. Words cannot express all my feelings. Love you Coach"
Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino:
RIP JoePa! #legend! Thoughts and prayer go out to the Paterno Family!
Former Eagles safety Quintin Mikell:
RIP JoePa. Great Coach. Sad Ending.
Penn State quarterback Paul Jones:
Heaven hired THE best coach ever. #RIP #JoePa #WEARE
Penn State running back Silas Redd:
No one wanted this news this morning.. #RIP Joe.. I'm praying I'll be able to touch lives like u did. #LongLiveTheKing
Former Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson:
A morning I will never forget. Thoughts/prayers go out to the Paterno family. Thank u Joe 4 helping me become a man. Beaver stadium=Joe Paterno Stadium from now on.
Former Penn State defensive back Adam Taliaferro:
At a loss for words-Thankful for the impact he had on my life-Blessed to call him a friend and mentor-Joe is and always will be Penn State!
Former PSU player Patrick Mauti:
RIP Coach, thank you for everything you have done for me and my family and sahping me into the man I am today. #RIPJOEPA
Former PSU wide receiver Derek Moye:
RIP Joe...thank you
Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins:
RIP Joe Paterno
Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham
R.I.P Joe Paterno!! I am happy I was able to meet him At least once!
Former West Virginia coach Don Nehlen
"First of all, my condolences go out to his wife, Sue, and his entire family. Joe Paterno was an icon above icons in the football coaching profession. What he accomplished as a football coach will never ever, ever, be threatened. When you think of a word to describe Joe Paterno and what he did at Penn State, the word unimaginable comes to mind. That a man could give that much of himself to coach football and shape young men's lives at one school for that many years speaks volumes for what that man is about. He will be very sadly missed as a person, a friend and in the football coaching profession."
Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden:
"It is really sad. The guy had the most illustrious career in the history of college football, probably all of football. To put the years together and have the success he had and then have it all end like this, it's just tragic. I'm just going to remember the good things because he did so many good things at Penn State."
Michigan coach Brady Hoke
"I am certainly saddened by the news today of Coach Paterno's passing. College football has lost one of its greatest, a coaching icon. Even though I was just an assistant when our teams faced one another, I feel honored to have shared the field with Joe. His players' love for him, it shows how he touched their lives and it tells who he was as a man. He will be missed. His mark on Penn State and college football will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family and friends and the entire Penn State community."
PSU recruit Nyeem Wartman
R.I.P. JoePa, thanks for your stamp of approval to #PSU you will be missed, promise to go hard at state when i get there. #PENNSTATEPRIDE
Bernard Hopkins
#Joe Paterno RIP Great coach very bad ending of his career
