Penn State Football: Present and Past Players Reaction to Joe Paterno's Firing

The public opinion on how Penn State University handled the firing of now-former head coach Joe Paterno will not change the fact that he is gone.  The legendary football coach who led his team into 548 games, led them to 409 victories and two national championships is now gone.  While he will never coach another game at Penn State University or walk onto the grass of Beaver Stadium, his legend will be remembered most by those players who had the honor of calling him coach.

The over 90 players currently on Penn State's roster have to find strength within one another  They have to find hope in the potential this season has for them and their legacy, even in what seems to be a hopeless situation.  Most importantly they have to find a way to show their support for each other, the fan base who supports them, and mostly the victims who's lives have been altered by this tragic situation.  

Whether the players want to or not, they have to play in a pivotal Big 10 matchup Saturday that will play a large role in deciding their Big 10 fate for the rest of the season.  Saturday's matchup also just so happens to be "senior day" for 17 seniors on the Nittany Lions roster who have given four or five years of their life to the Penn State football program.  Saturday will be an incredibly emotional day for many people, but the players on the field will undoubtedly be feeling the most.

The Nittany Lion players are already voicing their emotional opinions on the situation and I think it is extremely important for their voices to be heard. So what are the players, both current and past, saying?  Here are some quotes from Penn State player's personal Twitter accounts:

Senior DT No. 71 Devon Still:

"Can't even shake my own head coach's hand wen I run out into beaver stadium for the last time...yall dk how much this man has done"

"We still gon win the bigten for us, for the university, n for joe...mark my word"

Senior WR No. 6 Derek Moye:

"It's messed up they are doing this to a man who is a big reason Penn State is what it is today."

Senior OT No. 74 Johnnie Troutman: 

"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals"

Senior Safety No. 1 Nick Sukay: 

"Saturdays more than just any ordinary game. We"ll be ready to show our penn state pride on the field saturday along with thousands of others"

Senior LB No. 34 Nathan Stupar: 

"I'm kinda upset I don't get to shake #JoePa's hand on my senior day... #sadtweet"

"I know this is a tough time but I pray for the victims in this time of darkness."

"No doubt in my mind that Coach Bradley will do a great job at coaching this team. #PSUNation"

Junior QB No. 11 Matt McGloin:

"This is a tough time But the outrage we are feeling now is nothing compared to what the victims are going through.keep them in our prayers."

"Wow. I would not be where I am today if it was not for Coach Paterno.

Sophomore RB No. 25 Silas Redd: 

"Please don't believe the rumors.. this team, better yet this family is still unity with one heartbeat please be careful tonight everyone."

Freshman QB No. 4 Adrian Amos: 

"I just want saturday's game to come"

Former DE No. 91 Jared Odrick:

"by one man's actions. Players, alum, the students, fans...sick. Will always love Joe and coach Larry Johnson for how theyve affected my life"

Former WR No. 2 Derrick Williams:

"Again guys i understand something had to b done just the way the board handle it was wrong over the phone... C'mon son"

"I am sure if he could go back in time he would have done more"

Former QB No. 12 Michael Robinson: 

"Just spoke with MY COACH. He is a strong man and is what honor and dignity is all about. Sad time Nittany Nation. I pray for the victims"

As you can tell, there is a wide array of emotions.  Some players want to show support for their former head coach Joe Paterno, while some others want to solely focus on banding together to support each other during this difficult time.  It is encouraging to see the players uniting concerning one aspect of this situation, and that is around the victims of this tragic scandal. 

One thing is clear, this scandal is uniting these football players and showing them what it means to get back and fight when you have been knocked down.  Nothing players say or do will heal the wounds of those affected by what has transpired over the past years but one thing is certain; the belief in one another and their belief that the Penn State community can and will stand up and fight for the victims of this horrible situation.