Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Sue Paterno, member of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Board of Directors and widow of former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, spoke to the Penn State football team this week about legacy and what it means to become a good person during their college years. She said she wants players to focus on who they become through their time in the classroom and on the field, not just their performance on Saturdays.
Paterno recalled a story about her late husband, who said he could only judge his best player 25 years after coaching him, based on who that player became. She said wins and losses matter to the program and its fans, but character carries more weight over time.
Paterno also discussed Victory Day, an event held in partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania where Special Olympics athletes took the field with Penn State players and coaches. She described the night as emotional and said every athlete who participated scored a touchdown. She praised head coach Matt Campbell and his staff, along with the band, cheerleaders and dancers, for the atmosphere they created.
Paterno said Penn State players engaged directly with Special Olympics athletes throughout the event and gave their full attention and energy. She said moments like these show what Special Olympics athletes are capable of and reflect what matters most in life.
Sue Paterno, member of the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Board of Directors and widow of former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, spoke to the Penn State football team this week about legacy and what it means to become a good person during their college years. She said she wants players to focus on who they become through their time in the classroom and on the field, not just their performance on Saturdays.
Paterno recalled a story about her late husband, who said he could only judge his best player 25 years after coaching him, based on who that player became. She said wins and losses matter to the program and its fans, but character carries more weight over time.
Paterno also discussed Victory Day, an event held in partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania where Special Olympics athletes took the field with Penn State players and coaches. She described the night as emotional and said every athlete who participated scored a touchdown. She praised head coach Matt Campbell and his staff, along with the band, cheerleaders and dancers, for the atmosphere they created.
Paterno said Penn State players engaged directly with Special Olympics athletes throughout the event and gave their full attention and energy. She said moments like these show what Special Olympics athletes are capable of and reflect what matters most in life.
