Letter to Joe - Always a Lion

Written by Ken Miller

Having a birthday in September means there's always a chance to see a Penn State home football game on (or around) my birthday. There are many other noteworthy football games I have attended also. I became a fan of Penn State for two reasons: one being the colleges in Maryland, where I grew up, were not worth rooting for in the 1980's, and two, the simple uniforms, the no gimmick offense, the tenacious D, and most importantly, the coach, who remained true to his heart and calling, staying with Penn State and not opting for the riches and profound glory of the NFL. I also endear two local sports icons: Cal Ripken, Jr. and Darrell Green, both stayed with their only team, thru thick and thin, good times and bad times, That sense of loyalty and commitment was instilled upon me by my father who always said once you make a commitment, you must always honor that, no excuses, no backing out. Joe's commitment to football was second to none but his overall commitment was to the students themselves. His Grand Experiment is a fine example of what a student-athlete should be, student first, athlete second. His blueprint for Success with Honor should be replicated and distributed to all schools, colleges and universities to learn from and follow.

While his death was inevitable, as all of ours is, the way the house that he built treated him and his last three months alive broke my heart as it did his. Joe Paterno will be missed, on the sidelines, and in the hearts of many Nittany Lions. He shall never be forgotten and his legacy shall not be tarnished by the poor judgement of few. God bless Joseph Vincent Paterno and God bless Penn State.

For the Glory,

Ken Miller
never a student, always a Lion