Sean Clifford describes the emotions behind his Rose Bowl curtain call

For sixth-year senior Sean Clifford, it was a storybook ending. The Penn State quarterback had his ups and downs throughout his college career, but in the last game of his college career, Clifford left the Rose Bowl with a three-score lead. On the way out, he was given a curtain call from Penn State fans in Pasadena.

After the game, Clifford described his emotions during this moment.

“It means a lot,” Sean Clifford said. “Just being able to see all my teammates on the sidelines with smiles on their faces.”

“You know, I came up with some great leaders. Trace McSorley and Tommy Stevens and Billy Fessler in the QB room. Great leaders on that team in 2017, the group that I was a freshman with. So, just being able to see those faces of my teammates, it just means the world.”

Sean Clifford was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2017. A four-year starter at Penn State who played in five different seasons, Clifford has made himself into a modern legend with the school despite his ups and downs.

For his career, Clifford appeared in 51 games. He threw for 10,661 yards and 86 touchdowns. On the ground, Clifford had 1,073 yards and 15 touchdowns. Of those 51 games, his last one in the Rose Bowl may have been his masterpiece.

“Just couldn’t be prouder to be a Penn Stater,” Clifford smiled.

You can watch Sean Clifford’s curtain call, here.

Sean Clifford on his emotions

During the game, Sean Clifford did his best to look stoic. By the end of the game, when the result was well in hand and he had a chance to take everything in, the emotions clearly got to Clifford. Those were emotions he tried to explain immediately after the game.

“It’s an absolute blessing,” Clifford said.

“Just looking at all of my teammates right now, everybody is so happy. I just can’t be more excited for them, more excited for this fan base. We’re really doing something, let’s go.”