Joe Paterno, a sainted figure at Penn State for almost half a century, died Sunday at the age of 85. The man known as "JoePa" won 409 games and took the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games and two national championships. More than 250 of the players he coached went on to the NFL.
A number of his former players, in addition to other players currently in the NFL, posted their reaction to the news of Paterno's passing Sunday on Twitter:
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Thanks Joe! Thank You! We are! — LaVar Arrington (@LaVarArrington) January 22, 2012
Rest in peace joe paterno
— Robbie Gould (@RobbieGould09) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/RobbieGould09/status/161112380695252992)
At a loss for words... One of the most influential men in our nations history. By his passing PSU nations grows even stronger. Love you Joe
— Jordan Norwood (@jordaNorwood) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/jordaNorwood/status/161110964186521601)
Thank You Joe 4 taking a chance on me & helping to make me into the man I am today. i will never forget the lessons i learned from u #WeAre
— Aaron Maybin (@AaronMaybin51) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/AaronMaybin51/status/160923648872554496)
I can't believe Joe Paterno has passed away! RIP
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/jharrison9292/status/161110693410639873)
R.I.P Joe Paterno many years at high success.. Legacy leads on!! Sendin my prayers to all friends an fam of the Paterno's
— DeSean Jackson (@DeseanJackson10) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/DeseanJackson10/status/161126526396542977)
Keep the Paterno family in your prayers during this tough time. To the greatest R.I.P Joe P
— Maurkice Pouncey (@MaurkicePouncey) [January22, 2012](https://twitter.com/#!/MaurkicePouncey/status/161111208139825152)
R.I.P Joe..thank you for helping shape me into man I am today..will always be missed..
— Justin King (@theking1) [January 22,2012](https://twitter.com/#!/theking1/status/161108690794057729)