Category Archives: Bill O’Brien

11.01.22
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Saving The Roar: World Television Premiere

The 2012 team, pictured on Senior Day prior to beating Wisconsin, had its story detailed in Saving The Roar. The film’s world television premiere is set for January, with cornerback Steph Morris (No. 12, second from left, middle row), sharing the news during his appearance on Football Letter Live. Photo credit: Steve Manuel

The timing worked out nicely.

We’re not in the habit of breaking news at The Football Letter. It’s never been part of our approach, and the phrase itself has been overused by seemingly everybody and every organization to place extra emphasis on common knowledge.

However, in this case, the framing fits.

We were thrilled to welcome letterman cornerback Steph Morris to Football Letter Live last month, and while we were talking in the studio before starting the broadcast, Morris shared an exciting and well-deserved update regarding Saving The Roar, a documentary that details the triumph of the 2012 team. You can learn more about the film, which had its world theatrical premiere last year, on its site.

The film’s director and producer, Michael Nash, sent Morris a message about 90 minutes before the show, sharing the news that Warner Bros. Discovery purchased Saving The Roar, and the film will have its world television premiere on Jan. 28, 2023. Additional details are TBD, and we’ll share them when they’re available.

You can watch Morris’ entire appearance on the show on our Facebook page — his Q&A starts around the 28:00 minute mark and he talks extensively about the 2012 senior class and the film. You can also see a select portion of his interview in the embedded video below. The standout cornerback talked about the importance of honoring his commitment, a common theme among that senior class.

We’ve also included a video below of some players from the 2012 team being recognized during the White Out last month. Penn State blew past Minnesota 45-17, with the players addressing the crowd between the first and second quarters.

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08.26.19
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College Football Heaven

Penn State v. Michigan(Photo by Steve Manuel)

The Football Letter/Steve Manuel

This weekend, tens of thousands of alumni and fans will return to State College, rekindling a lifelong love affair with Penn State. If you’re among the many who are embarking upon the annual fall pilgrimage to Happy Valley, chances are you’ll notice some changes upon arrival.

Construction is ongoing at Willard Building for the state-of-the-art Donald P. Bellisario Media Center, and you can check out picturesque views of Sparks and West Halls from the newly renovated Collaboration Commons in Pattee Library. These remodeled areas have the aim to enhance the student experience, an admirable goal that’s always at the forefront of University administrators’ minds.

The Diner is gone — quite literally — as development has already begun on its replacement, a fast-casual restaurant chain. And if you’re looking to order some wings at The Darkhorse Tavern, well, you’ll have a surprise waiting for you.

These are just a few examples.

However, there’s one thing you can always count on when you come into town for the season opener.

As you stroll across campus or head downtown, the crisp fall-like weather smacks your senses and leaves no doubt: Penn State football has returned to Happy Valley.

That’s the beauty of September (or in this case, August) in Central Pennsylvania.

Penn State v. PITT (Photo by Steve Manuel)

The Football Letter/Steve Manuel

The town takes on a life of its own and the familiar energy swirls around State College, as the season’s first kickoff awaits on the horizon.

Football, of course, is the reason for alumni and fans descending upon University Park this weekend, as the chase for another 10-win campaign and Big Ten championship begins for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.

The on-field success is one reason for so much excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Additionally, what makes Penn State football special for so many goes way beyond what happens on the gridiron.

Tailgating. The Blue Band. Stopping by the Nittany Lion Shrine for a photo with family and friends. Each home game weekend is a throwback to your college days, an opportunity to transport yourself back to a time when Dear Old State molded you when you stood at childhood’s gate.

We understand that passion, because we feel the same way.

With The Football Letter blog, we strive to deliver stories and photos that showcase the high level of devotion that Penn State graduates have for their alma mater. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the blog (enter your email address in the box in the lower right-hand corner) and follow us on Twitter, as we’ll highlight the many reasons that distinguish Penn State as one of the premier college football programs in the country.

Or, in Bill O’Brien’s words, why Penn State is “college football heaven.”

Penn State v. Ohio State (Photo by Steve Manuel)

The Football Letter/Steve Manuel

Throughout the season, we’ll feature lettermen, speak with players and coaches, and dig into our extensive archives. We’ll also talk with Steve Manuel ’84, ’92g, longtime distinguished photographer for The Football Letter, as he looks back on some of his most memorable photos.

There’s a lot to savor, and we’re looking forward to sharing another season with our readers.

So, if you’re in town this weekend, we invite you to take your time and soak up all the sights, sounds, and smells that elevate State College into the quintessential college town in America.

There really is no place in the world like Happy Valley in the fall.

For the Glory,

— John Patishnock ’05

 

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09.06.17
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All in the Family

Organized, enthusiastic, and relentlessly dedicated, the Penn State Football Parents Association provides quiet but invaluable support for the Nittany Lions—and for each other.

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The tradition started about a year ago, a few hours before last season’s game against Minnesota.

We’ll let Larry Buchholz tell the story:

“Before every game, my wife gives our son a hug before the team goes into the stadium. So we’re there by the south entrance, and there’s Coach Franklin. Usually he’ll high-five a few people and shake hands with recruits, and we happened to be standing right there. So I just reached out with open arms and said, ‘Hey, Coach,’ and we gave each other a big hug and a kiss.”

If you remember how things turned out, you’ll understand why Buchholz’s pregame smooch and embrace became a weekly necessity. Continue reading →

11.12.15
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Jordan Lucas: An Appreciation

 

Jordan Lucas Lead Athlete

Each issue of The Penn Stater magazine features a short profile of a current Penn State student-athlete, but back in the fall of 2012, we tweaked that formula ever so slightly, interviewing Lucas during his post-grad year at a Massachusetts prep school, months before he had actually arrived on campus. We felt like Lucas was a fitting exception: Continue reading →