Penn State Football coach Joe Paterno has been nominated to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA) sent a letter to President Obama on Wednesday citing Paterno’s substantial contributions to collegiate athletics, higher education and American society. Rep. Thompson represents State College, where Penn State is located.

Coach Paterno’s accomplishments on the football field are nothing short of legendary. During his 45-year tenure at Penn State, he has amassed 402 career wins – more than any other coach in Division I history,” the members wrote in a letter to President Obama.

Paterno has been the coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions for 45 years.

“He has coached five undefeated teams, two national championship teams, won three Big Ten conference championships, and been named ‘Coach Of The Year’ five times by the American Football Coaches Association,” the nomination letter boasted.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom honors individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Here’s the full text of the letter: