Bill O'Brien reflects on Penn State's Rose Bowl run

[step.eng69]

Sorry, didn't include the link
NFL Combine 2017: Bill O'Brien reflects on Penn State's Rose Bowl run

By Jacob Klinger | jklinger@pennlive.com
The Patriot-News

on March 01, 2017 at 5:01 PM, updated March 01, 2017 at 11:15 PM

INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill O'Brien wasn't taking any credit for Penn State's run to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance, but he did enjoy watching it happen.

The Nittany Lions head coach from 2012-13, hired in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal, launched himself into NFL head coaching and his current job leading the Houston Texans from his two years in State College.

Speaking at the NFL Combine on Wednesday afternoon, O'Brien was asked - not by PennLive - how he felt about PSU's recent success.

Below is his full response:

"I take a lot of pride in Penn State. I don't have anything to do with that right now, I'm just saying I take a lot of pride in following that. That place meant a lot to me and my family and a lot of those kids that were playing on that team this year, we knew a lot of those kids. So it was really cool to watch what Coach Franklin and that coaching staff did with that group of players and where they were able to go. I think that's a testament to Penn State, the strength of that university. It's a fantastic place and I think they're on the up and up." -Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien

 

[BobPSU92]

No PowerPoint slides?


Seriously, nice words from FLO.


Seriously, nice words from O'Brien.

 

[step.eng69]

Always loved this picture....
Colleen O'Brien and their son Michael, 6, center, watch as O'Brien addresses the media after he was introduced during an NCAA college football news conference.

 

[Carl Spackler]

That is a wonderful pic. Expressive. A child mesmerized by his father up on stage.

 

[BobPSU92]

That is a wonderful pic. Expressive. A child mesmerized by his father up on stage.

He looks like his dad. I hope the kid is doing well.

 

[Thus Spake Mainer]

Look in the dictionary under "class" and you'll see a picture of Billo.

 

[psuro]

Look in the dictionary under "class" and you'll see a picture of Billo.

I see what you did there.

 

[step.eng69]

He looks like his dad. I hope the kid is doing well.

The older son, Jack, is the child that has neurological problems.

From a 2013 Article about the children:
Her Mother's Day will come with some combination of flowers, a meal she doesn't have to cook and cards.

Colleen O'Brien will probably also have to watch her 10-year-old son endure a seizure. Jack O'Brien has had at least one almost every day since he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder not long after his first birthday.

All his mother can do during the convulsions is hope they don't last long enough where she has to give Jack a shot of medicine to slow his brain activity or, worst case, call 911.

“It is hard to watch,” Colleen O'Brien said of the seizures that have also been a part of her life for most of the last decade. “I guess I naively assumed when he first started having them that some day I would get used to it. But I don't think I'll ever get used to it.”

What makes her human makes her no less of a hero to her husband. And Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien is well aware that he doesn't need a designated day to appreciate all his wife does as a mother to Jack and their 8-year-old son Michael

 

[Breeze90]

O'B, O'B, O'B, O'B, O'B, O'B

 

[step.eng69]

I see what you did there.

Did you crop the lower part of the pic?

 

[TheBigUglies]

I think that's a testament to Penn State, the strength of that university. It's a fantastic place

We all knew this, it's nice to hear others make this statement after all the crap we have been thru and is the reason we are still standing strong.

 

[BobPSU92]

The older son, Jack, is the child that has neurological problems.

From a 2013 Article about the children:
Her Mother's Day will come with some combination of flowers, a meal she doesn't have to cook and cards.

Colleen O'Brien will probably also have to watch her 10-year-old son endure a seizure. Jack O'Brien has had at least one almost every day since he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder not long after his first birthday.

All his mother can do during the convulsions is hope they don't last long enough where she has to give Jack a shot of medicine to slow his brain activity or, worst case, call 911.

“It is hard to watch,” Colleen O'Brien said of the seizures that have also been a part of her life for most of the last decade. “I guess I naively assumed when he first started having them that some day I would get used to it. But I don't think I'll ever get used to it.”

What makes her human makes her no less of a hero to her husband. And Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien is well aware that he doesn't need a designated day to appreciate all his wife does as a mother to Jack and their 8-year-old son Michael

Thanks for the correction. Much appreciated.

I hope both boys are doing well.

 

[BobPSU92]

I think that's a testament to Penn State, the strength of that university. It's a fantastic place

We all knew this, it's nice to hear others make this statement after all the crap we have been thru and is the reason we are still standing strong.

We know that O'Brien ultimately associated himself with the NFL, but reading that quote plus your sentiment, I have to wonder, and it has occurred to me before, whether part of the reason O'Brien left was because of the university "leadership".

 

[Nitt1300]

The older son, Jack, is the child that has neurological problems.

From a 2013 Article about the children:
Her Mother's Day will come with some combination of flowers, a meal she doesn't have to cook and cards.

Colleen O'Brien will probably also have to watch her 10-year-old son endure a seizure. Jack O'Brien has had at least one almost every day since he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder not long after his first birthday.

All his mother can do during the convulsions is hope they don't last long enough where she has to give Jack a shot of medicine to slow his brain activity or, worst case, call 911.

“It is hard to watch,” Colleen O'Brien said of the seizures that have also been a part of her life for most of the last decade. “I guess I naively assumed when he first started having them that some day I would get used to it. But I don't think I'll ever get used to it.”

What makes her human makes her no less of a hero to her husband. And Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien is well aware that he doesn't need a designated day to appreciate all his wife does as a mother to Jack and their 8-year-old son Michael

This was one of the major reasons that I felt all the flack that Billy took here for leaving was really unfair. It's true that he was making very good money at Penn State, but the Texans paid him huge money- the kind of money that insures that he can make sure that Jack has first class care for life. The man carries a heavy load.

 

[KnightSlayer]

The older son, Jack, is the child that has neurological problems.

From a 2013 Article about the children:
Her Mother's Day will come with some combination of flowers, a meal she doesn't have to cook and cards.

Colleen O'Brien will probably also have to watch her 10-year-old son endure a seizure. Jack O'Brien has had at least one almost every day since he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder not long after his first birthday.

All his mother can do during the convulsions is hope they don't last long enough where she has to give Jack a shot of medicine to slow his brain activity or, worst case, call 911.

“It is hard to watch,” Colleen O'Brien said of the seizures that have also been a part of her life for most of the last decade. “I guess I naively assumed when he first started having them that some day I would get used to it. But I don't think I'll ever get used to it.”

What makes her human makes her no less of a hero to her husband. And Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien is well aware that he doesn't need a designated day to appreciate all his wife does as a mother to Jack and their 8-year-old son Michael

I wonder if O'Brien has tried Cannabis Oil on his son. I guess he couldn't even talk about it living in Texas and working for the NFL.

http://medicalcannabisreport.com/the-medical-marijuana-mystery-mom/

Suppose you have a child disabled from birth whose tiny frail body is wracked with muscle spasms and seizures every minute of every day for the entirety of what you know will be her diminished existence. There’s no cure for your daughter’s condition, but imagine you discover a treatment that eases her symptoms to such a degree that the soul you always knew was in there comes to the surface for the very first time.

Unlike the costly medications that have sustained your daughter all of her life, this treatment is fairly inexpensive. In fact, a relative provides it to you at no cost. Side effects are minimal, especially compared to her standard medical regime. There’s just one slight hitch: Despite the fact that a majority of California’s voters approved the use of cannabis for medicinal use in 1997, you’re still not exactly sure if medical marijuana is legal.

That’s precisely the dilemma facing the Shasta County parents who are the subject of this story. Blame it on CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who publicly endorsed the use of cannabis for treating children with seizures two years ago. Thousands of parents of disabled children, including this couple, saw the program and sought out the treatment.

The mother, who has never smoked pot a day in her life, put out feelers and word came back via the family grapevine that the treatment was available. She administered the medicinal cannabis through her daughter’s feeding tube and miracles of miracles, it worked. But now she has a new problem. She’s worried that she’s breaking the law and risking the loss of her daughter’s healthcare.

 

[step.eng69]

Thanks for the correction. Much appreciated.

I hope both boys are doing well.

Not a correction Bob, I forgot myself whether it was the older or younger son with complications. that is the reason I went back in time

 

[step.eng69]

I wonder if O'Brien has tried Cannabis Oil on his son. I guess he couldn't even talk about it living in Texas and working for the NFL.

I don't do twitter or facebook, etc. Colleen may, drop her a line or whatever it's called. Impressive article KnightSlayer.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I wonder if O'Brien has tried Cannabis Oil on his son. I guess he couldn't even talk about it living in Texas and working for the NFL.

http://medicalcannabisreport.com/the-medical-marijuana-mystery-mom/

Suppose you have a child disabled from birth whose tiny frail body is wracked with muscle spasms and seizures every minute of every day for the entirety of what you know will be her diminished existence. There’s no cure for your daughter’s condition, but imagine you discover a treatment that eases her symptoms to such a degree that the soul you always knew was in there comes to the surface for the very first time.

Unlike the costly medications that have sustained your daughter all of her life, this treatment is fairly inexpensive. In fact, a relative provides it to you at no cost. Side effects are minimal, especially compared to her standard medical regime. There’s just one slight hitch: Despite the fact that a majority of California’s voters approved the use of cannabis for medicinal use in 1997, you’re still not exactly sure if medical marijuana is legal.

That’s precisely the dilemma facing the Shasta County parents who are the subject of this story. Blame it on CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who publicly endorsed the use of cannabis for treating children with seizures two years ago. Thousands of parents of disabled children, including this couple, saw the program and sought out the treatment.

The mother, who has never smoked pot a day in her life, put out feelers and word came back via the family grapevine that the treatment was available. She administered the medicinal cannabis through her daughter’s feeding tube and miracles of miracles, it worked. But now she has a new problem. She’s worried that she’s breaking the law and risking the loss of her daughter’s healthcare.

My kids use it. I don't care if we're breaking the law - they come after me and I'll be the poster child for advocating its use. I will embarrass those who have no issue with the massive use of serious prescription drugs, the endless and omnipresent advertising of alcohol, but take issue with CBDs.

 

[Raffycorn]

My kids use it. I don't care if we're breaking the law - they come after me and I'll be the poster child for advocating its use. I will embarrass those who have no issue with the massive use of serious prescription drugs, the endless and omnipresent advertising of alcohol, but take issue with CBDs.

Best of luck to you. Hopefully your state ends this madness soon and makes it legal for parents to care for their children. If you're in PA, it appears as though help might be on the way (although I'm not well-versed on the PA law).

 

[johnmpsu]

This was one of the major reasons that I felt all the flack that Billy took here for leaving was really unfair. It's true that he was making very good money at Penn State, but the Texans paid him huge money- the kind of money that insures that he can make sure that Jack has first class care for life. The man carries a heavy load.

He didn't get flack for leaving. He got it for what he said when he left. Surely you remember his reason was all about how horrible the "Paterno people" were. As far as most could see he was welcomed and treated extremely well by Penn State alumni and fans. If he simply said he was leaving for the money I would have respected that. As is, I'm glad he is gone and would prefer he stick to his current job and not try to rewrite history.

 

[Nitt1300]

He didn't get flack for leaving. He got it for what he said when he left. Surely you remember his reason was all about how horrible the "Paterno people" were. As far as most could see he was welcomed and treated extremely well by Penn State alumni and fans. If he simply said he was leaving for the money I would have respected that. As is, I'm glad he is gone and would prefer he stick to his current job and not try to rewrite history.

That was what Davey Jones said he said.

 

[21Guns]

And Bill O'Brien shouldn't take any credit, because Bill O'Brien did not have jack $hit to do with our Championship/Rose Bowl run.

 

[johnmpsu]

That was what Davey Jones said he said.

I don't recall any denials from O'Brien. I could be wrong, if I am please link it. Thanks.

 

[Nitt1300]

I don't recall any denials from O'Brien. I could be wrong, if I am please link it. Thanks.

he didn't deny it, but Jones set him up, catching him at the end of a long day- Jones is trash.

I think anyone who has never said anything he regretted should feel free to pile on Billy all they want

 

[step.eng69]

He looks like his dad. I hope the kid is doing well.

And curses like a sailor

 

[step.eng69]

I think anyone who has never said anything he regretted should feel free to pile on Billy all they want

You mean all of the "fighters" out there Nitt
good day, I'm leaving work and going home

 

[kijana]

And Bill O'Brien shouldn't take any credit, because Bill O'Brien did not have jack $hit to do with our Championship/Rose Bowl run.

He recruited a lot of the starters/contributors on the 2016(Mahon, Sickels, Bell, and Cothran just to name a few). Plus, yes it wasn't all O'Brien, but he did his part in holding the team together in 2012-13. If PSU would have imploded in 2012-13, then there would have been no B10 title in 2016 so to say jack s*it for the B10 Championship run is flat out stupid.

 

[Thus Spake Mainer]

He recruited a lot of the starters/contributors on the 2016(Mahon, Sickels, Bell, and Cothran just to name a few). Plus, yes it wasn't all O'Brien, but he did his part in holding the team together in 2012-13. If PSU would have imploded in 2012-13, then there would have been no B10 title in 2016 so to say jack s*it for the B10 Championship run is flat out stupid.

^^^^^THIS^^^^^

 

[marshall23]

From the moment his plane touched down is State College he was swimming with sharks. Just the thought of working with Judas Joyner would make me vomit. Anyone who thought BOB was long term at PSU wasn't paying attention or incredibly naive. Ira and Judas promised a "home run" to replace JVP and whiffed on proven college coaches. Many "name" individuals got extensions and raises as they played the dynamic duo. Jaws bailed his friend Ira out by suggesting O'Brien, who had failed to convert NE's super bowl run into a HC position in the NFL. It was a marriage of convenience. OB was a great short term fit, as it turned out. His makeup is much better suited (especially his temperament and vocabulary) to long term work in the NFL. He put the ship in the right direction and kept it afloat. Both BOB and PSU are in a better place now.

 

[tboyer]

Knowing what we know about the O'Briens, I would guess if their son's condition was a good candidate for cannabis, they would find a way to get it for him. Even if it meant Bill needed to resign from the NFL and move his family to Colorado for his son's sake, I think they would do that. The chance to relieve your child's suffering would outweigh everything else I think.

I wonder if O'Brien has tried Cannabis Oil on his son. I guess he couldn't even talk about it living in Texas and working for the NFL.