Joe Paterno Dead at Age 85

Joe Paterno, the long-time Penn State football coach, who won more games than any other college football coach, died Sunday due to complications from lung cancer. He was 85.

His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled, read a statement from his family.

He died as he lived, the statement continued. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community.

Paterno had been hospitalized since Jan. 13 for observation due to minor complications from his cancer treatments.

His son, Scott Paterno, offered this sentiment on late Sunday morning on Twitter: Finally, to Penn Staters, past and present, know that Dad loves you all and has always loved being part of your family.

Joe Paterno built his program on the credo Success with Honor. Known as JoePa, the avuncular coach won 409 games and helped lead the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games and two national championships.

Paterno spent the final part of the 2011 Penn State season battling reports that he failed to properly handle an alleged child abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, a long-time assistant.

Here is a video tribute of the famed head coach, Joe Paterno: