Football History

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Steven Joseph Suhey's football career wasn't a whirlwind of touchdown dances and headline-grabbing stats. Instead, it was a carefully woven tapestry of leadership, versatility, and family legacy, leaving its mark on both Penn State and the fledgling professional game.

Suhey's collegiate years were the golden age. He was an All-American guard, anchoring the offensive line and leading the Nittany Lions to the 1948 Cotton Bowl Classic victory. His leadership extended beyond the field, with some crediting him for igniting the iconic "We Are Penn State!" chant in a defiant stand against racial prejudice. This fierce pride and dedication cemented him as a campus legend.

However, Suhey's story doesn't end in Happy Valley. He blazed a trail into the newly formed NFL, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1948. While his professional career spanned only two seasons, his presence as one of the first Penn State products in the league held significant weight. He paved the way for future Nittany Lions like Franco Harris and John Cappelletti, showing that hard work and grit could bridge the gap from Big Ten excellence to professional success.

But Suhey's impact transcended even the gridiron. He married Virginia "Ginger" Higgins, daughter of his Penn State coach Bob Higgins, further intertwining his life with the Nittany Lion legacy. Three of their sons became Penn State lettermen, and his grandson Kevin even donned the blue and white. This generational commitment earned the Higgins-Suhey family the well-deserved title of "first family of Nittany Lion football," signifying their lasting influence on the program.

Steve Suhey's football career may not have been defined by gaudy numbers or championship rings. Instead, it was a testament to leadership, versatility, and family legacy.