Penn State Football Podcast Revisits Paterno, Sandusky Legacy

Documentary filmmaker John Ziegler joins the Blue White Tailgate Pawcast to discuss the ongoing public narrative surrounding the Penn State scandal.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a new podcast episode, documentary filmmaker John Ziegler joins the Blue White Tailgate Pawcast to discuss the legacy of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and the Jerry Sandusky scandal that rocked the university 15 years ago. The podcast also touches on the current state of Penn State's football and wrestling programs.

Why it matters

The Penn State scandal was one of the biggest sports controversies in recent history, with lasting impacts on the university’s reputation and the legacy of legendary coach Joe Paterno. Revisiting this topic provides insight into how the public narrative has evolved over the years and the continued debate around accountability and justice.

The details

In the podcast, Ziegler shares his perspective on the ongoing public discourse surrounding Paterno and Sandusky. He has closely followed the situation and its aftermath since the scandal first erupted at Penn State. The episode also touches on the current state of Penn State’s football program under new head coach Matt Campbell, as well as the university’s dominant wrestling team.

  • The podcast was recorded and published on February 14, 2026.
  • The Penn State scandal first came to light in 2011, 15 years prior to the podcast’s release.

The players

John Ziegler

A documentary filmmaker who has closely followed the Penn State scandal and its aftermath since the beginning.

Terry Smith

A longtime Penn State assistant coach who served as the team’s interim head coach and is known for his support of the “409 button” movement to recognize Joe Paterno’s legacy.

Joe Paterno

The legendary former head coach of the Penn State football team, whose legacy was tarnished by the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Jerry Sandusky

The former Penn State assistant football coach who was convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse, leading to the downfall of the Penn State football program.

Matt Campbell

The new head coach of the Penn State football team, who previously served as the head coach at Iowa State.

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What they’re saying

“Ziegler riffs enthusiastically about the ongoing public narrative surrounding Paterno and, in a different light, Sandusky, 15 years after the scandal erupted at Penn State.”

— Frank Bodani, York Daily Record beat reporter (ydr.com)

What’s next

The podcast episode provides a platform for continued discussion and debate around the Penn State scandal and its lasting impact on the university and the broader sports world.

The takeaway

The Penn State scandal remains a complex and divisive issue, with ongoing debates around accountability, justice, and the legacy of key figures like Joe Paterno. This podcast episode offers a unique perspective on how the public narrative has evolved over the years and the continued importance of examining this pivotal moment in sports history.