Fran Fisher on Paterno's Empire

State College was barely on the map before Joe Paterno was named head coach in 1966. 

The quick success of the Nittany Lions brought huge economic benefits to Happy Valley.

6 News sat down with Fran Fisher, the former voice of Penn State football, to reflect on Paterno’s legacy.

When the young, brash Paterno few people knew who he was but he quickly got their attention.

“I didn’t know I was meeting a legend, but his record will never be matched”, said Fisher. 

Critics said it couldn’t be done. 

Penn State was nothing but a farm school, but Paterno built an empire.

As he racked up wins, NFL teams came calling. 

Paterno turned down offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots and remained committed to Happy Valley.

One of his priorities, which he enjoyed, was connecting with students.

In 2005 Paterno made his first trip to Paternoville, the encampment outside Beaver Stadium on football weekends.

After walking through the tents Paterno joked that the University needs to do something about the dorms.

He loved his players as much as the students at Penn State giving them simple advise and an important life lesson,

“Have fun and behave!”