Penn State's Paterno nominated for Medal of Freedom

Penn State coach Joe Paterno was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey and Representative Glenn Thompson sent a letter to President Obama on Wednesday nominating the 84-year-old coaching legend for the award. Paterno was also nominated last year but was not a finalist.

Paterno, in his 62nd year on Penn State's coaching staff and 45th as head coach, has 402 career wins, which is more than any other Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) coach in history. He led the Nittany Lions to five undefeated seasons and national championships in 1982 and 1986.

The medal is "presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," according to a White House press release.

Late Alabama football coach Bear Bryant and late basketball coach John Wooden have also been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

--Jake Kaplan