(Undated) -- Former players, fans and reporters are reflecting on the legacy of Joe Paterno. Washington Post Columnist Sally Jenkins conducted Paterno's final interview two weeks ago. Speaking on witf's Radio SmartTalk, she says it's unfair that some are suggesting Paterno's grief over losing his job contributed to his death. "I don't think that's true. I think Joe Paterno was a stronger man than that. I really believe that he was optimistic and positive; was urging people around him not to be angry. He loved Penn State and wanted a good relationship going forward with the university," Jenkins says. "There's no question it couldn't have been good for his health, but Paterno was a stronger man than to let grief or disappointment over losing his football job kill him," she adds. Jenkins says even in his frail condition, the coach stayed positive with his comments about the school that dismissed him in the wake of the scandal.

Paterno's impact is also being remembered among his former players. Former wide receiver Graham Zug from Manheim, Lancaster County, graduate from Penn State last year. Also on witf's Radio SmartTalk, he remembered Paterno's lessons about life were just as important as those about football. "He made sure all of us were ready for life after football. No one lives all of their life playing football... you're going to have to work or you're going to have to take care of your family. He prepared all of us for that. Everybody was equal to him, and I think that shows his charachter and how special of a person he really was," he says. Zug adds he, like many people from the midstate, had PSU football in his blood. He recalled making a promise to his parents when he was four years old to attend Penn State and play for Joe Paterno.