The Penn State Nittany Lions storied football program has fallen on hard times in recent years. Joe Paterno remains a beloved figure in the annals of PSU pigskin and in the streets of Happy Valley, but to the NCAAF and the rest of the football-watching world, his tarnished reputation has in turn taken the shine off a once-feared and revered PSU football squad.
It's not surprising then that Penn State head coach James Franklin has decided to make a seemingly small change that may have further ramifications for the player's approach next year and beyond and, perhaps most importantly, hearkens back to better days for the Lions.
Franklin and the school announced Thursday that they would be removing the names from the back of the team's jerseys, something which changed in 2012 under then-head coach Bill O'Brien after over 12 decades of namelessness...
"For 125 years Penn State proudly followed a very simple idea: 'Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Names. All Game.'
"In 2012, for the first time in the program's history, names adorned the back of the jersey to forever identify the men who stayed loyal, sacrificed & chose to play for this institution during the most difficult of times. The 2012 team, permanently recognized in Beaver Stadium, will hold an enduring place in our program's history. Their commitment will never be forgotten.
"However, it's time we bring back the tradition that represented Penn State for 125 years. We are a strong family, playing for one goal, one university and there is only one name that truly matters, Penn State.
"We Are."
Of course, while the change is purely symbolic, the ideal it advances - Penn State above all else, team success over personal glory - likely means much more to the school and its legions of devoted fans.
O'Brien's gesture was an important one at a difficult time in the school's history - it gave recognition to the players who chose to stay at Penn State and dedicate themselves to the Nittany Lion cause despite the anger and frustration of the nation around them - but Penn State's school and football program are built on tradition and this is one that ultimately means more than just a name on a jersey.
