“Joe’s legacy will always be intact because we won’t let Joe’s legacy die.” — Lydell Mitchell, former Penn State running back

“It’s just sad because I think he died from other things than lung cancer.” — Mickey Shuler, former Penn State tight end

“Coach Paterno never believed that his role as ‘Coach’ ended after practice, or when the fourth quarter wound down or when a student-athlete graduated. He was a coach for life.” — Tom Bradley, former Paterno assistant

“The Penn State football program is one of college football’s iconic programs because it was led by an icon in the coaching profession in Joe Paterno. There are no words to express my respect for him as a man and as a coach. To be following in his footsteps at Penn State is an honor.” — Bill O’Brien, new Penn State coach

“Football’s a small part of his legacy, but it goes far beyond that. You could have become a good football player at many places, but you wouldn’t have become the man you are if you didn’t go to Penn State.” — Mike Guman, former Penn State running back

“I always thought coach Paterno was too tough to die. I thought he’d live forever and coach for another 10 years. I’m shocked and saddened. It’s hard to put into words.” — Matt Kranchick, former Penn State tight end, who lives in Westerville

“Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life. He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession.” — Jerry Sandusky, former Paterno assistant

“I’ve coached around 300 college games and only once when I’ve met the other coach at midfield prior to the game have I asked a photographer to take a picture of me with the other coach. That happened in the Citrus Bowl after the ’97 season when we were playing Penn State.” — Steve Spurrier, South Carolina coach

“It’s going to be very hard to imagine college football without Joe in this world ... We had many great battles over the 40-plus years, and many great times together with our wives on various coaching trips. Joe was about as good a coach as anybody — with all of the great wins, championships and the things he gave to college football. He graduated his players, made a wonderful impact on so many of those young men and was the heart of Penn State University for so many decades.” — Bobby Bowden, former Florida State coach 

Tweets from OSU players

RIP JoePa, it was an honor meeting you and developing a relationship with you. You are THE GREATEST coach ever...on and off the field — Camren Williams, linebacker from Colorado who committed to OSU

Rip Joe Pa ... I can say I’m truly proud to have played against one of the greatest coaches of all time. — Jake Stoneburner

R.I.P.JOE PA !! Great man & Great legend his body of work is unmatched. Happy to say I played against him as a player — DeVier Posey