The Joe Paterno Field debate: Penn State made the right business move, but his legacy deserves more

March 21, 2025 Stephen Conneely CFB News 0
The Joe Paterno Statue that once stood outside Beaver Stadium

Penn State football finds itself at the crossroads of nostalgia and necessity, with the recent West Shore Home naming rights deal proving that in the era of NIL and big-money sponsorships, sentimentality takes a backseat to financial survival.

A Legacy Worthy of Recognition

For decades, many Penn State fans envisioned the words “Joe Paterno Field” etched onto the turf at Beaver Stadium. After all, few coaches in college football history have been as synonymous with a program as Paterno was with Penn State. Over 46 seasons, he not only won 409 games—still the most in FBS history before NCAA sanctions briefly stripped him of that honor—but also built a culture that emphasized education, loyalty, and “Success with Honor”.

Paterno’s impact stretched well beyond the field. His fundraising efforts helped transform Penn State into one of the country’s top public universities, with major contributions leading to the expansion of the Pattee Library and the establishment of the Paterno Fellows Program. Even after his dismissal in the wake of the Sandusky scandal, which led to years of polarizing debate, his supporters—many of whom never wavered—continued to push for proper recognition.

However, as college football has shifted into an era driven by money, branding, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, nostalgia alone doesn’t pay the bills. And when the opportunity came for Penn State to secure a significant financial deal, the university made what it deemed the only viable choice. A choice that I believe to be a proper one.

The Business of College Football Wins Out

The West Shore Home deal, which will see Beaver Stadium’s field named after the home remodeling company for the next 15 years, is estimated to be worth approximately $50 million. In today’s college football arms race, where top programs are spending millions on facilities, recruiting budgets, and NIL collectives, the money is simply too important to ignore.

Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted 22-8 in favor of the naming rights deal, one that Penn State’s athletic director Pat Kraft called “transformational”.

Many Penn State fans, however, saw this as a betrayal of the university’s history and values. The outrage was swift, especially from longtime supporters who felt that if any name were to be attached to the field, it should have been Paterno’s.

“This is a very sad and sobering day in the history of Penn State,” Lubrano said. “Today for many of us the music dies. Today, the Penn State we know and love is no more because today we’re about to commit the ultimate betrayal. How fitting, given that Catholics around the world are celebrating the Lenten season. The only question we should ask is who will play Judas? For a few silver pieces we’re about to sell our souls and in doing so turn our backs on two people who gave so much to this institution, Joe and Sue Paterno.”

Former Paterno QB and board trustee Matt McGloin sternly added, “what’s happening now may look like a successful move, but I don’t believe it’s a very honorable one. And success without honor is an unseasoned dish. It will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste very good. I’m urging you to do the right thing for Penn State, to do the right thing for the Paterno family, to do the right thing for Joe. There shouldn’t be a price for our identity here at Penn State,”

Yet, in a college football world where Texas A&M can spend $77 million to buy out a coach and Ohio State’s NIL fund needs over $20 million just to keep its roster intact, Penn State simply couldn’t afford to leave money on the table.

Where Does Paterno’s Legacy Go From Here?

If Penn State couldn’t name the field after Paterno, the next logical question is:

  • How does the university ensure his contributions remain properly recognized?
    • Football Facilities Tribute: As part of the ongoing and planned enhancements to the stadium and football facilities, Penn State could dedicate a portion of the newly renovated or it’s state-of-the-art operational facilities to Joe Paterno and his family. This would serve as a lasting and functional tribute, honoring his legacy while directly supporting the football program’s future.
    • Paterno Statue Return: The removal of Paterno’s statue in 2012 remains one of the most controversial moments in Penn State history. A potential solution? A newly dedicated statue accompanied by an interactive display that presents a full, nuanced history of his career and impact on the Pennsylvania State University both on and off the football field.
    • New Statue in “Joe Paterno Memorial Plaza“: Build a new statue and dedicate it in a specific area outside Beaver Stadium as a Paterno Memorial Plaza. The plaza could include a collection of his accomplishments, quotes, and stories, providing a place for fans to gather and reflect.
    • Annual Joe Paterno Legacy Game: Every year, Penn State could dedicate a home game to Paterno’s memory, with proceeds from special ticket sales, jerseys, and merchandise supporting scholarships for student-athletes. This would keep his name associated with the program in a meaningful way.
    • “Success with Honor” Uniform Patch: A subtle yet meaningful way to honor Paterno would be a permanent uniform patch in some form or fashion the phrase he made famous: “Success with Honor.” This would remind every Penn State player and fan of the program’s foundation while also avoiding controversy.

The Reality of Modern College Football

The decision to sell the field’s naming rights was a stark reminder that college football is no longer just about tradition—it’s about business. Penn State, like every other major program, has to adapt to stay competitive.

At the same time, Penn State must be careful not to let financial motivations completely overshadow its identity. The university has long prided itself on being different—on doing things the “Penn State way.” That means finding ways to honor the past while still embracing the future.

Joe Paterno will always be the defining figure in Penn State football history. Whether his name is on the field or not, his impact is undeniable. The university made the right business decision in securing a naming rights deal, but that doesn’t mean it can’t do more to honor the man who made Penn State football what it is today.

A championship program isn’t built just with money—it’s built with identity, tradition, and respect for the past. Penn State has taken the necessary step forward financially. Now, it must ensure that it doesn’t leave its greatest legacy behind in the process.

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