With the passing of former longtime Penn State head coach Joe Paterno coaches and players from around the world of college and professional football have begun to express their feelings on the legendary yet disgraced coach.
Michigan head coach Brady Hoke, who coached against Paterno as an assistant at Michigan from 1995-2001 said he was ‘saddened’ when he learned the news on Paterno’s death.
“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.”
Several former and current Michigan players also took to Twitter to express their thoughts on Paterno (via AnnArbor.com)
Former defensive end Brandon Graham: “R.I.P Joe Paterno!! I am happy I was able to meet him At least once!”
Receiver Jerald Robinson: “My condolences go out to the Paterno family, such a great coach and so sorry for your loss….God Bless and yet another Great coach has been sent to Heaven”
Tailback Justice Hayes, in a series of tweets: “Deh killed my dude Joe Pa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! … I’m upset ….!! He literally passed away because he wasn’t coaching nomo… They knew that would happen.!! And the messed up part is that they deleted my man’s out of Penn st history… So after this week or two, they gone sweep em off to the side”
Former defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen: “Rest in peace #joepa. My condolences to your family and all of the psu players coaches and staff that loved you. Great man, coach,& mentor”
Linebacker Kaleb Ringer (an early enrollee from 2012 class): “Somebody should be put in jail, for killin off joe pa like that!!!!”
Former defensive tackle Mike Martin: “A lifetime of work that cannot be replaced. Truly a #CategoryOfOne! #RIPJoePa ”
Former tight end Kevin Koger: “R.I.P. Coach Joe Paterno”
Receiver Roy Roundtree: “That’s Sad Joe Pa passed away. #RIPJOEPA prayers out to his family and friends!”
Tight end Brandon Moore: “RIP Joe Pa, a True Legend of the Big Ten”
Former receiver Desmond Howard: “Condolences to the Paterno family for their great loss. ‘A human life is a story told by God.’ ~Hans Christian Anderson”
Ref: AnnArbor.com, Twitter, Times247.com (image)
