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Paterno Legacy: Enduring Lessons from the Life and Death of My Father
This biography of Joe Paterno by his son Jay is an honest and touching look at the life and legacy of a beloved coaching legend. Jay Paterno paints a full picture of his father’s life and career as well as documenting that almost none of the horrific crimes that came to light in 2012 took place at PennState. Jay Paterno clear-headedly confronts the events that happened with cool facts and with passion, demonstrating that this was just one more case of an innocent man convicted by the media for a crime in which he had no part. Noting that the scandal itself was but a short moment in Joe Paterno’s life and legacy, the book focuses on Paterno’s greatness as a father and grandfather, his actions as a miraculous coach to his players, and his skillful dealings with his assistant coaches. A memorial to one of the greatest coaches in college football history, the book also reveals insightful anecdotes from his son and coaching pupil.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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September 28, 2014
Many biographies written by family members of societal icons can offer the inside view to that person's life for the benefit of those who loved and cherished that icon. Jay Paterno provides the first hand evidence growing up under the same house as college football coaching legend Joe Paterno. This book is equal parts memoir, the relating of fatherly advice, as well as the definitive rebuttal to the Freeh report. This is the first biography I've read where I took a highlighter to it; different colors for the different aspects of the book I've delineated.
Much of America came out in force to debate the spectacle surrounding the Jerry Sandusky investigation. Sadly, many people came with pitchforks and torches ready to burn somebody - anybody - for these horrific crimes against children. The real shame is that many things were overlooked in the desire to see "justice" done. Mr. Paterno gives a first hand account of the situation on the ground in Happy Valley. Sadly, in the rush to see "justice" done, there was an ironic dispensing of injustice at the way Penn State treated Joe Paterno. Jay Paterno documents his travels, travails, and conversations with all those who were involved.
However, most of the book is spent talking about life having a Division I coach as a father. However you choose to see Coach Paterno, it is imperative that one knows more about the man they either revere or revile. Having been a Penn State fan for over 40 years, I knew some of the stories the younger Paterno tells here. Many, however, are new. In the course of telling stories about Coach Paterno's wisdom, the names that get mentioned are those familiar to Nittany Lion fans. More often than not, it is the players' off-field activities that get mentioned. The fact that many, many more boys ended up becoming men of substance and impact. It is those reasons that a great motivator and builder of men was lost to society.
Jay's storytelling is fluid and swift. He is a good communicator and can make his points succinctly and effectively. The chapters are short which is good if you want to read a chapter between busy parts of your day. Many photographs are included at the back of the book to help rekindle memories of previous Penn State exploits. A worthy companion to this book would be Paterno by Joe Posnanski.
I will disclaim that I am a Penn State fan and and admirer of the late Coach Paterno. That notwithstanding, this is a book that is essential reading for those who want all the information about JoePa and recent Penn State history. Even if you hate Penn State with the fire of 1,000 suns, I would urge you - if you claim to be open minded - to read this book. (I will even lend you my copy, if you like.)
BOTTOM LINE: A definite must-read for college football fans.
Much of America came out in force to debate the spectacle surrounding the Jerry Sandusky investigation. Sadly, many people came with pitchforks and torches ready to burn somebody - anybody - for these horrific crimes against children. The real shame is that many things were overlooked in the desire to see "justice" done. Mr. Paterno gives a first hand account of the situation on the ground in Happy Valley. Sadly, in the rush to see "justice" done, there was an ironic dispensing of injustice at the way Penn State treated Joe Paterno. Jay Paterno documents his travels, travails, and conversations with all those who were involved.
However, most of the book is spent talking about life having a Division I coach as a father. However you choose to see Coach Paterno, it is imperative that one knows more about the man they either revere or revile. Having been a Penn State fan for over 40 years, I knew some of the stories the younger Paterno tells here. Many, however, are new. In the course of telling stories about Coach Paterno's wisdom, the names that get mentioned are those familiar to Nittany Lion fans. More often than not, it is the players' off-field activities that get mentioned. The fact that many, many more boys ended up becoming men of substance and impact. It is those reasons that a great motivator and builder of men was lost to society.
Jay's storytelling is fluid and swift. He is a good communicator and can make his points succinctly and effectively. The chapters are short which is good if you want to read a chapter between busy parts of your day. Many photographs are included at the back of the book to help rekindle memories of previous Penn State exploits. A worthy companion to this book would be Paterno by Joe Posnanski.
I will disclaim that I am a Penn State fan and and admirer of the late Coach Paterno. That notwithstanding, this is a book that is essential reading for those who want all the information about JoePa and recent Penn State history. Even if you hate Penn State with the fire of 1,000 suns, I would urge you - if you claim to be open minded - to read this book. (I will even lend you my copy, if you like.)
BOTTOM LINE: A definite must-read for college football fans.
February 15, 2018
Excellent book written by Jay Paterno. I’m a Penn Stater, graduated in 1983, and lived my professional life at PwC (for 34 years) with the highest integrity and honesty that Joe expected of his players. Jay worked for Joe for 17 years as a coach, and saw first hand, what Joe was about. The book provided an excellent history of the Paterno family, Jay growing up, Joe’s commitment to Penn State and turning boys into men. There are some great stories about recruiting, coaching, bowl games, teaching others life’s important lessons, etc... lots that I did not already know. It was really fun for me to read this as I lived some of these stories while I was at Penn State from 1979 to 1983, and then as an alumni.
On the Sandusky matter, Jay did a great job of telling the story from the Paterno family’s perspective. I have a deep respect for Jay and Joe, and how they handled themselves during this very difficult time, with the utmost honor and respect given to all parties, even those attacking Joe. Jay acknowledges some journalists got it wrong, and complements a few for looking closer.
One point I’d make, is that while I respect Jay’s kind words about Bob Costas, as an elite journalist, I’d respectfully disagree. In Chapter 39 Jay gives Costas a compliment for going back and reading the Freeh report in the spring of 2013, and making comments while on air stating, he (Costas) did not believe Joe was involved with a cover up. Jay points out that others were not as ethical.
My perspective, the Freeh report was issued in July 2012, why did it take Costas 9 months to actually read the report, and why did he make negative statements about Penn State and Joe during The summer of 2012, immediately after the Freeh report was issued ? Because Costas was jumping on the Penn State bashing bandwagon, like all of the others. As a journalist, he should not have made any comments until after he read the Freeh report. I just don’t understand how journalists can go on the air with a story without fully vetting the issue. Had Costas read the report before he spoke (during the time following the release for the Freeh report) he would have reported a different story, one that would have taken more courage, and perhaps could have favorably impacted the discourse.
Doctors, lawyers and accountants, put forth a great effort to be sure that their work product is the best it can be, the first time it is released. Many times there is no opportunity for a do over. Journalists should be held to the same standard. The free press is very important, but it is not a free pass to ruin the reputation of people who spent their lives living with high moral values and passing those important values onto the next generation.
As for Lewis Freeh, the good Lord will deal with him in due course. Karma is a bitch.
On the Sandusky matter, Jay did a great job of telling the story from the Paterno family’s perspective. I have a deep respect for Jay and Joe, and how they handled themselves during this very difficult time, with the utmost honor and respect given to all parties, even those attacking Joe. Jay acknowledges some journalists got it wrong, and complements a few for looking closer.
One point I’d make, is that while I respect Jay’s kind words about Bob Costas, as an elite journalist, I’d respectfully disagree. In Chapter 39 Jay gives Costas a compliment for going back and reading the Freeh report in the spring of 2013, and making comments while on air stating, he (Costas) did not believe Joe was involved with a cover up. Jay points out that others were not as ethical.
My perspective, the Freeh report was issued in July 2012, why did it take Costas 9 months to actually read the report, and why did he make negative statements about Penn State and Joe during The summer of 2012, immediately after the Freeh report was issued ? Because Costas was jumping on the Penn State bashing bandwagon, like all of the others. As a journalist, he should not have made any comments until after he read the Freeh report. I just don’t understand how journalists can go on the air with a story without fully vetting the issue. Had Costas read the report before he spoke (during the time following the release for the Freeh report) he would have reported a different story, one that would have taken more courage, and perhaps could have favorably impacted the discourse.
Doctors, lawyers and accountants, put forth a great effort to be sure that their work product is the best it can be, the first time it is released. Many times there is no opportunity for a do over. Journalists should be held to the same standard. The free press is very important, but it is not a free pass to ruin the reputation of people who spent their lives living with high moral values and passing those important values onto the next generation.
As for Lewis Freeh, the good Lord will deal with him in due course. Karma is a bitch.
February 4, 2015
The truth will always surface
In the darkest of times, courageous people hold steadfast and do not run from adversity. My grandmother always told me" the cream rises to the top" and the Paterno legacy will do the same.
In the darkest of times, courageous people hold steadfast and do not run from adversity. My grandmother always told me" the cream rises to the top" and the Paterno legacy will do the same.
February 28, 2021
This book was so heartbreaking and hard to read because of how Penn State fans, the media, and of course those robotic and sheep-ass trustees-----who were supposed to be Paterno's friends or confidants-----treated Paterno in his last days.
This book was a testament on how easy it can be to tell who really cares about or who your true friends are when times get tough. Joe Pa, Jay, and Sue learned that the hard way earlier this decade.
I hope Jay and Sue are doing well and that God blesses them somehow each and every day.
The chapter when Jay ran down how those Penn State trustees all voted for Joe to get fired as a way to help Penn State look good cosmetically, was some top-shelf writing. I couldn't stop thinking about that chapter and I still think about that chapter even though I finished the book around New Years Eve 2015.
Rest in peace Joe Pa and I know he would have been proud of Jay for writing this candid memoir.
This book was a testament on how easy it can be to tell who really cares about or who your true friends are when times get tough. Joe Pa, Jay, and Sue learned that the hard way earlier this decade.
I hope Jay and Sue are doing well and that God blesses them somehow each and every day.
The chapter when Jay ran down how those Penn State trustees all voted for Joe to get fired as a way to help Penn State look good cosmetically, was some top-shelf writing. I couldn't stop thinking about that chapter and I still think about that chapter even though I finished the book around New Years Eve 2015.
Rest in peace Joe Pa and I know he would have been proud of Jay for writing this candid memoir.
May 24, 2018
A wonderful story of the life of Joe Paterno written by his son , Jay who not only was Joe’s son, but played for Joe and worked for 17 years with him.
This is a biography that goes from Joe raising a strong Catholic family and how he had high standards for Penn State football and education.
It enlightens the reader to the flaws of the Freeh report and gives a close up look to the final moments of Joe’s career and life.
What an amazing character Jo Pa was!
This is a biography that goes from Joe raising a strong Catholic family and how he had high standards for Penn State football and education.
It enlightens the reader to the flaws of the Freeh report and gives a close up look to the final moments of Joe’s career and life.
What an amazing character Jo Pa was!
November 21, 2016
Inspiring to read about the life of Joe Paterno. This is an ideal book for those Penn State fans who love the greatest coach in history.
January 13, 2015
Its been over three years now since the Sandusky abuse scandal shook the nation. For the most part the media and the world have moved on. Those of us with close ties to Penn State are still living with the aftershocks. In the early days the media spent more time talking about iconic football coach Joe Paterno then they did Sandusky or the victims. There was talk of conspiracies and cover-ups by Paterno and others. In the summer of 2012 the Freeh report was released and soon the NCAA sanctioned Penn State’s football program.
To many, the whole scandal illustrated the problem of caring about football too much. People talked of a “football factory” and of athletics being put above academics. For those of us close to Penn State, this all sounded like so much bull. Paterno’s players consistently ranked near the top in graduation rates. This one fact rarely made the news as it did not fit the narrative the media was running with. The truth is that if you wanted to play football in college, not do much in class, and get to the NFL as easily as possible, Penn State was not for you. Penn State players went to class, studied and graduated.
Long after the Freeh report and sanctions were released, many people are still fighting for the truth to come out. Jay Paterno, son of Joe, is one such man. His book, The Paterno Legacy, is a combination memoir and defense of his father’s integrity and life work. Overall it is a fantastic book – rambling at times but moving and heart-wrenching. Jay paints a picture of his father, showing him as a great man who did all he could for the young men entrusted to him on the football team and beyond that for the university as a whole.
Jay also works to tear down the Freeh report and the narrative portraying his father, and the football program, as knowingly covering up Sandusky’s crimes. Of course, it is on a near weekly basis, even after the publication of this book, that news comes out to show the Freeh report was not as objective as they claimed but in actuality was in collusion with the NCAA from the beginning. Jay emphasizes that two wrongs do not make a right – scapegoating his father does not help Sandusky’s victims and defending his father does not mean one does not care about the victims. The truth is that Sandusky fooled everyone. He was a foster parent for years and the experts who worked for the state of PA to approve foster parents were fooled by Sandusky. How can we expect a football coach to discover what others with far more expertise did not?
This is a must-read book for any Penn Stater, but beyond that it ought to be read by those who rushed to judgment on a man who lived a tremendous life. My fear is that such people will not read the book, they have already passed judgment and moved on. Hopefully the truth will continue to come out.
Thank you Jay for a great work. I love Penn State and continue to admire Joe Paterno. The two are tied in to any person’s life who attended school there – I studied in the Paterno library and prayed in the chapel the Paternos donated money to build. Those on the outside may see a football factory but they are simply wrong, Penn State is so much more and, as many have said, We Are because He Was.
To many, the whole scandal illustrated the problem of caring about football too much. People talked of a “football factory” and of athletics being put above academics. For those of us close to Penn State, this all sounded like so much bull. Paterno’s players consistently ranked near the top in graduation rates. This one fact rarely made the news as it did not fit the narrative the media was running with. The truth is that if you wanted to play football in college, not do much in class, and get to the NFL as easily as possible, Penn State was not for you. Penn State players went to class, studied and graduated.
Long after the Freeh report and sanctions were released, many people are still fighting for the truth to come out. Jay Paterno, son of Joe, is one such man. His book, The Paterno Legacy, is a combination memoir and defense of his father’s integrity and life work. Overall it is a fantastic book – rambling at times but moving and heart-wrenching. Jay paints a picture of his father, showing him as a great man who did all he could for the young men entrusted to him on the football team and beyond that for the university as a whole.
Jay also works to tear down the Freeh report and the narrative portraying his father, and the football program, as knowingly covering up Sandusky’s crimes. Of course, it is on a near weekly basis, even after the publication of this book, that news comes out to show the Freeh report was not as objective as they claimed but in actuality was in collusion with the NCAA from the beginning. Jay emphasizes that two wrongs do not make a right – scapegoating his father does not help Sandusky’s victims and defending his father does not mean one does not care about the victims. The truth is that Sandusky fooled everyone. He was a foster parent for years and the experts who worked for the state of PA to approve foster parents were fooled by Sandusky. How can we expect a football coach to discover what others with far more expertise did not?
This is a must-read book for any Penn Stater, but beyond that it ought to be read by those who rushed to judgment on a man who lived a tremendous life. My fear is that such people will not read the book, they have already passed judgment and moved on. Hopefully the truth will continue to come out.
Thank you Jay for a great work. I love Penn State and continue to admire Joe Paterno. The two are tied in to any person’s life who attended school there – I studied in the Paterno library and prayed in the chapel the Paternos donated money to build. Those on the outside may see a football factory but they are simply wrong, Penn State is so much more and, as many have said, We Are because He Was.
March 3, 2017
Good insights.
September 24, 2016
This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read. It was so inspirational & emotional at the same time. There was so much to the story & Jay Paterno captured it beautifully. Being able to right about his family & everything he went through growing up in the Paterno home. The struggles that he & his family went through during the scandal & the effect it had was no easy task. Speaking about all the things that Joe Paterno did as a human being & having it be more than him being a football coach. The wisdom that Joe relayed to his children & grandchildren will simply touch your heart & shed a few tears. The man was simply an amazing person that lived life to the fullest in the most caring way. He stood for so much as many of those he knew can attest to it as he was not just a football coach but a father, son, husband, grandfather, friend & most importantly a mentor to thousands of people. I was fortunate enough to meet him back in the 90's & it was such an honor. He will forever be in the hearts & minds of those people that thought the world of him.
October 21, 2014
The truth shall set you free
I have always felt. that the Sandusky fiasco was a runaway train. Now I know it was. The story was well done as it showed t the true side of Joepa. He was honest. Sometimes to a fault. He demanded the best you had to give ,but he always gave you his best. Jay has given us a glimpse into the private life of the Paterno family through its darkest hours and days.. It is at times slow but that gives you time to digest all that was going on at the time. What always seemed so wrong about what was said was that Joe and the players never touched any child. They were supposed to be able to see a pedophile where none of the experts ever did.
Louise
I have always felt. that the Sandusky fiasco was a runaway train. Now I know it was. The story was well done as it showed t the true side of Joepa. He was honest. Sometimes to a fault. He demanded the best you had to give ,but he always gave you his best. Jay has given us a glimpse into the private life of the Paterno family through its darkest hours and days.. It is at times slow but that gives you time to digest all that was going on at the time. What always seemed so wrong about what was said was that Joe and the players never touched any child. They were supposed to be able to see a pedophile where none of the experts ever did.
Louise
January 19, 2015
This was an interesting viewpoint of Paterno's life. I got a little disinterested in the beginning of the book when talking about childhood for a very long time. It got more interesting as it got into Jay's later life. I enjoyed the bits about the present issues facing the family and university, but there is nothing groundbreaking here. This is expected.
The writing isn't nearly as good as the Paterno biography from a couple years ago. It was distracting in more than a few parts, but it wasn't enough to stop me from reading. Overall it was interesting to see Jay's point of view on his father, and I like the idea of Jay trying to tell his father's story.
The writing isn't nearly as good as the Paterno biography from a couple years ago. It was distracting in more than a few parts, but it wasn't enough to stop me from reading. Overall it was interesting to see Jay's point of view on his father, and I like the idea of Jay trying to tell his father's story.
September 10, 2015
Born & raised a Penn State fan, I really wanted to read this book (my dad is an alum). It is so honest and at times gut wrenching and I am still amazed at how quickly the media tore Joe Paterno down without checking facts. They did their best, along with the board of trustees, to destroy the Paterno family. Jay Paterno shares personal family moments, great memories, and calls out those who turned against Joe by name. Whether you are a fan or not, after reading this book, you will not look at this situation the same again and will realize how quick the media is to judge without facts just to get a story.
April 9, 2015
Great book told from an interesting perspective of not only JoePa's son, but at the time, one of his assistants too. I always thought everyone was too quick to judge the Freeh Report (don't get me wrong, not too quick to judge on Sandusky himself, but that's another story). I still have a lot of respect for JVP after reading this book and tons more for his son.
One quote that I will take from this book is something that Joe would tell his team "You are never as good as you think when you win and you are never as bad as you think when you lose." Good advice for life in general.
One quote that I will take from this book is something that Joe would tell his team "You are never as good as you think when you win and you are never as bad as you think when you lose." Good advice for life in general.
October 1, 2014
Great book relaying the lessons learned from the life of one of college football's most legendary coaches. Very open, truthful, and brutally honest. We finally get to hear Joe's side of the Sandusky scandal, which has been woefully missing from the media's coverage from the very beginning. However, it's not the most impartial book (since it's written by Joe's son), and the fact that the book does not stay in chronological order drove me absolutely nuts.
July 20, 2024
I started this book almost a year ago, then got sidetracked trying to finish some library books before they were due.
Obviously, this book is from Jay's POV, and if you don't agree with him, you won't like this book. But, if you're a Paterno fan, you'll enjoy this book. He shared childhood memories, which are very sweet to read about. Reading about his experiences makes you remember he's only human. His writing is a bit "stream-of-consciousness" at times, but overall it was a great read.
Obviously, this book is from Jay's POV, and if you don't agree with him, you won't like this book. But, if you're a Paterno fan, you'll enjoy this book. He shared childhood memories, which are very sweet to read about. Reading about his experiences makes you remember he's only human. His writing is a bit "stream-of-consciousness" at times, but overall it was a great read.
October 14, 2014
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. This might go down as the best book of 2014 for me. It was so well written and so vindicating for those who always believed that the truth was far from being reported when the Sandusky scandal broke. This book also provides very moving insights into Joe's life as a whole. It had me in tears multiple times.
Fabulous!
Fabulous!
October 16, 2014
Paterno, Penn State!
So glad Jay wrote this book with passion and love for his father. An honest depiction of events and a life long
journey of a decent and honorable man. Every Penn State fan should read this book and
.
then determine who should be held accountable for the after effects of one terrible
man, Sandusky, who is paying for his crimes.
So glad Jay wrote this book with passion and love for his father. An honest depiction of events and a life long
journey of a decent and honorable man. Every Penn State fan should read this book and
.
then determine who should be held accountable for the after effects of one terrible
man, Sandusky, who is paying for his crimes.
February 6, 2016
For critics of this legendary coach, one can see into the true character of a man dedicated to academics beyond his coaching one of the top football programs ever. As told by his son, we see the personal side of this man that many of us had a chance to meet and see that the Great Experiment was about academics first , then famly, community and then football. An eye opener.
February 2, 2016
An interesting mix of silly anecdotes, defense against serious accusations, and a lifetime of Joe Pa stories. Much better than I thought it would be (that said, not really sure what I thought it would be).
September 19, 2014
Read this immediately. Thank you, Jay. That's all I can even say.
February 4, 2017
One of the best books I have ever read!
August 6, 2015
Excellent insight into the life of a legend from the point of view of his son.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews