When the Lions Roared

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When the Lions Roared

Joe Paterno and One of College Football’s Greatest Teams

By Bill Contz

Foreword and Commentary by Todd Blackledge

Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.676.4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com

Are the 1982 Penn State Lions the best team in college football history? Penn State had many amazing teams during Joe Paterno’s tenure. But the 1982 team secured Penn State’s first national title, forever cementing the Lions’ place in history and the upper echelons of college football programs.  

In When the Lions Roared: Joe Paterno and One of College Football’s Greatest Teams (Triumph Books, September 2017), Contz recounts the most memorable and meaningful events that culminated in Penn State’s unexpected 1982 season and National Championship title. Featuring dozens of interviews with former players, this book provides anecdotes from the epic contests of that season while also proving statistically why this Nittany Lions team stands up against all of the talented teams that came before and after. Highlights include:

• A heartfelt foreword and commentary from Todd Blackledge, Penn State’s 1982 starting quarterback, that encapsulates the pride he feels in this historic program and team
• Insights on key games in the 1982 season, including the controversial come-from-behind win over Nebraska and a heartbreaking early loss to Alabama
• A detailed timeline of the 1982 Sugar Bowl where Penn State defeated Georgia to secure their first national title
• The secrets to the success of this special team and why they worked together so well
• Reflections on Joe Paterno, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport, and the “Paternoisms” former players still practice to this day

When the Lions Roared offers fans a passionate behind-the-scenes looks at the every game, coach, player and moment leading up to the Nittany Lions’ first national title from people who were there for it all.

About the Author:

Bill Contz was a starting offensive lineman on Penn State's 1982 national championship team. He played six seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. Contz and his wife Melanie been married for 31 years and reside in Cranberry Twp. After his NFL career, Contz spent ten years at Federated Investors and 12 years at Smith & Nephew.

Todd Blackledge was the starting quarterback on Penn State's 1982 national championship team. He has worked as a television analyst for more than 20 years and currently is part of ESPN's College Football Primetime team. He lives near Canton, Ohio.

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