ESPN NEWS: State College, PA — In a move that is sure to stir both deep reverence and reflection throughout the college football world, Penn State University has announced plans to honor the late legendary coach Joe Paterno with a posthumous award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the university, the sport of football, and the lives of countless student-athletes over his decades-long career. See full details 

ESPN NEWS: State College, PA — In a move that is sure to stir both deep reverence and reflection throughout the college football world, Penn State University has announced plans to honor the late legendary coach Joe Paterno with a posthumous award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the university, the sport of football, and the lives of countless student-athletes over his decades-long career. See full details

ESPN NEWS HEADLINE: Penn State to Honor Legendary Coach Joe Paterno with Posthumous Award

STATE COLLEGE, PA — In a move that is sure to stir both deep reverence and reflection throughout the college football community, Penn State University has announced plans to posthumously honor legendary head coach Joe Paterno with a prestigious university award recognizing his monumental contributions to college football, Penn State athletics, and the lives of generations of student-athletes.

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon by Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi during a special press conference held at Beaver Stadium, with members of the university board, former players, and Paterno family members in attendance. The new honor, titled the “Legacy of Leadership Award,” will be awarded to Paterno in a formal ceremony during Penn State’s upcoming football season opener this fall.

“Coach Paterno’s impact on Penn State and college football is undeniable,” said President Bendapudi. “This award is a reflection of his commitment to excellence, education, and integrity—values that shaped not only a football program, but a university culture for decades.”

Joe Paterno, affectionately known as “JoePa,” served as Penn State’s head coach from 1966 to 2011, amassing a record-setting 409 victories—still the most by any coach in FBS history. He led the Nittany Lions to two national championships, five undefeated seasons, and helped elevate the program into a national powerhouse. Beyond the wins, Paterno was widely respected for his emphasis on academic success, famously advocating for the term “student-athlete” and establishing scholarships and educational initiatives for players.

The university acknowledged that honoring Paterno also brings complex emotions. His legacy became clouded in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal, which led to his dismissal in 2011 and widespread institutional reckoning. In the years since, ongoing debate has persisted about how best to remember one of college football’s most iconic and controversial figures.

The Legacy of Leadership Award, university officials said, is intended to honor Paterno’s football achievements and his impact on the university community, while also encouraging ongoing dialogue about accountability and institutional responsibility.

“This is not about rewriting history,” said Athletic Director Pat Kraft. “It’s about acknowledging the profound good one man did for thousands of young people, while continuing to learn from every chapter of our past.”

The award ceremony is scheduled for August 30, with a halftime tribute planned during the Nittany Lions’ season opener. Several of Paterno’s former players, including NFL greats and current coaches, are expected to participate in the event.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to ESPN.