Joe Pa’s Glasses Sold At Auction For $9,000

Joe Paterno’s famous, distinctive glasses have been sold to Kevin and Michelle Coppola, both Penn State alums, netting $9,000 for charity. The couple says they were prepared to pay over $10,000 for them. Perhaps the storied specs can impart something of the nearly mythical power their former owner had in ability to analyze a football field and formulate offensive and defensive strategy. Or maybe they’ll just sit on their mantle place in peace for the rest of their days. Owning the windows that led to 394 career wins–the most among college football coaches–must carry with it a certain magic for true believers, like owning Excalibur, or perhaps even the Holy Grail itself, if your God is Joe Paterno.

As far as football coaches go, if you were going to nominate a King or a God of the sport, there would be few more deserving than “JoePa”, as his faithful flock have come to know him. And, the 83-year old man is still kicking around! After having laser eye surgery in January, Coach Paterno gave up his specs, along with his signature rolled-up khaki trousers and black sneakers, as part of a live auction benefiting Penn State Public Broadcasting. The main event was held at the 18th Annual Connoisseur’s Dinner at the Nittany Lion Inn.

The most famous pair of glasses in sports-or any athletic eyewear for that matter, barring Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s protective goggles-are signed on the left lens by their former owner.

More coverage:

Baltimore Sun: The Eyes Have It: Paterno Glasses Bring $9,000

U.S. News & World Reprt: Joe Pa Puts His Glasses Up For Auction

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