Former Penn State linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Nate Stupar will represent the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens. This marks the 42nd time that a Penn State alum will appear on Super Bowl Sunday, and 35 former players have rings. While he did not attend Penn State, Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, coached in Happy Valley for seven years on Joe Paterno's staff as quarterbacks coach for the Nittany Lions. For Bowman, breaking up a 4th down pass that halted the Atlanta Falcons drive with a minute to go was the pinnacle of a three year progression that has seen him go from a promising 3rd round draft selection to a Pro Bowl linebacker that finished second in the regular season with 149 tackles.
Joe Paterno passed away on January 22, 2012. Next Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary since that day, and to commemorate the iconic coach, a tribute organization, Inspiration Way, will hold a candlelight vigil in Paterno's honor.
Redshirt junior guard Eric Shrive has been named a finalist for the Rare Disease Champion Award through Uplifting Athletes after raising over $70,000 the last four years.
It is never too early to mark down important dates for future semesters in advance. That includes the Homecoming Football game which will take place on October 12 against the Michigan Wolverines.
John Butler's job title is changing. His style is not. Penn State's new defensive coordinator following the departure of Ted Roof to his alma mater Georgia Tech will have increased responsibility after serving as the Nittany Lions' secondary coach this past season, but Butler still plans to be the same high-energy, emotional guy as he steps into the spotlight.
After just one year at Penn State, Ted Roof has resigned from his position as defensive coordinator to serve the same position at his alma mater, Georgia Tech.