When I think of how much of my life I owe to Joe Paterno, I don’t even know where to begin,” said Sandusky, who confessed to feeling “overcome” while attending the former football coach’s funeral. “I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t have been able to lead the life I’ve led, wouldn’t have grown into the man I’ve become, if it hadn’t been for his leadership. I can’t even begin to imagine what would have become of me if not for Joe Paterno.”

“Truly, he gave me a place where I could reach my full potential—not just as a coach, but as a man,” continued Sandusky, his voice cracking. “So many of my accomplishments would not have been possible without him and the unique atmosphere he created at Penn State.”

Paterno and Sandusky enjoyed a relationship stretching back almost 50 years, with each helping the other to pursue his passion. Sandusky said that while it was true the two men harbored different dreams, aspirations, and desires, Paterno was careful never to stand in his way. In fact, he affirmed, Paterno’s wholehearted attention to the overall success and reputation of Penn State football allowed Sandusky to focus on building his own legacy at Happy Valley, where he was always able to go after what he wanted most.

“How many people honestly get to fulfill their very deepest desires in life?” Sandusky said. “Let alone fulfill those desires over and over again, year in and year out, day after day, for decades? That’s the kind of life Joe allowed me to live.