Penn State football’s first game under Matt Campbell came with a few reminders of the program’s past.

“Success With Honor” replaced “1-0” above the players’ tunnel, while a dark-blue Section 409 sign offered another nod to Joe Paterno among the changes inside Beaver Stadium.

But Campbell’s effort to connect his team with Penn State’s history began long before Saturday’s season opener.

Since he was hired in December, Campbell has welcomed generations of former players back into the program and involved his team in traditions that shaped Penn State.

It all fits into a larger push Campbell has made since arriving in State College, Pennsylvania, which started with those who understand the program’s history better than anyone.

During a February press conference, Campbell called those who came before him Penn State football’s “greatest gift.” He soon began meeting with lettermen from every decade between the 1950s and 2020s and opened the Lasch Building to former players and their families.

The outreach continued through spring Letterman weekends, with former players invited back by decade for Friday dinners with the team and to speak with the players on Saturdays.

One of those weekends brought 37 lettermen back to Penn State, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Dave Robinson alongside national champions Todd Blackledge and D.J. Dozier.

The visits extended into the team’s operations, with Matt Millen sitting in on an offensive line meeting. Campbell also connected with All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman during the spring.

Former players also became a significant part of Campbell’s staff. He retained Terry Smith and Dan Connor and brought in defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. Jordan Hill later became director of the Penn State Football Letterman’s Club, and a week later, Michael Mauti joined Campbell’s staff as director of football engagement.

Campbell and his players also participated in longstanding community events, including the annual Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run benefiting Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

At Big Ten Media Day back in July, Campbell discussed Penn State’s “Success With Honor” standard. He reinforced the message in August when he brought Sue Paterno in to address the team directly about legacy and its commitment to the university.

“I was surprised [Head Coach Matt Campbell] asked me to speak about legacy, and since I’m probably the oldest person in this town right now, I have some stories about it,” Paterno told Fox43 after her appearance. “They were so welcoming, and they were so polite, and it was a marvelous experience,” Paterno said.

Penn State Athletics and the Penn State All-Sports Museum also opened the Paterno Family Football Experience Room to the public on September 3.

The season opener included a tribute to another longtime Penn State figure. The team honored Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, who spent 32 years as director of athletic medicine, with a helmet sticker and a moment of silence.

Campbell knew Sebastianelli only briefly but recognized his importance to generations of Nittany Lions.

“Penn State football will be forever grateful for his contributions and the standard he set for everyone around him,” Campbell said.

With his first game now behind him, the rest of the season will offer plenty more opportunities for Campbell to build on those connections and involve his team in Penn State traditions.