The overwhelming majority of Penn State’s fan base wanted the firing of James Franklin after a disastrous couple weeks. That doesn’t mean that was the norm for everyone involved with the Penn State program, and apparently it’s far from it.

Many of PSU’s current players and lettermen took to social media on Sunday to share their thoughts on Franklin’s dismissal.

“Regardless of the situation at hand, this one doesn’t feel right to me!,” posted Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons. “Coach deserved better! Myself and countless others wouldn’t be where we are today without Coach! Thank you! #Weareforever!”

Trace McSorley was probably the face of the Franklin era, and after his professional career was over, he was hired by Franklin to join the staff this season.

“Coach, I really don’t have words to express my gratitude,” McSorley said. “You believed in me when others didn’t. You pushed me to be the best player and man I could be. You were there for me at my highest and lowest points on and off the field. You showed me what hard work, dedication, loyalty, and leadership looks like.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to play for anybody else in the world. Like you always say, it starts with I love you and always ends with I love you. Love you Coach!”

Even former players that came before Franklin even stepped on campus in 2014 had some good things to say. Maybin was a first round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2009, but never realized his full potential in the NFL and retired after four seasons.

“Wanted to take this moment to thank coach Franklin for his years of work building @PennStateFball back into a national powerhouse, and doing so by reaching out to us former players and including us in the process,” Maybin said. “It didn’t end the way we wanted but you have always been honorable.”

DaeSean Hamilton, who is still the career receptions leader at Penn State after leaving the program in 2017, said, “Salute to @coachjfranklin…You are a winner and a great leader of men!”

Perhaps the most sobering sentiment shared was from former offensive lineman-turned-podcaster Landon Tengwall.

“Something to keep in mind. There’s a lot of men who have to go home tonight and tell their wives to start to pack up the house,” Tengwall said. “Tell their kids that this fall is the last time they will go to school with their friends. This is real life stuff, and it sucks.”