mike sadler

Before Saturday’s game against Wisconsin in East Lansing, Michigan State inducted Mike Sadler into its Hall of Fame. Sadler, along with former Nebraska punter Sam Foltz, died in a car crash July 23, less than two years after the end of his Spartans playing career.

To honor Sadler’s memory, Michigan State painted his No. 3 in the middle of the logo at midfield at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State pulled out all the stops to honor Sadler, who was a two-time All-Big Ten punter while in East Lansing and also somewhat of Twitter star. The school waived the 10-year waiting period before a player is eligible to be inducted into its Hall of Fame, much to the delight of Sadler’s mother, Karen. According to the Detroit Free Press, Sadler and his mother had discussed how cool it would be for him to one day earn that honor.

“The fact that I’m here representing him and he’s not is too bad, but he would have been so proud. So proud,” Karen Sadler said. “Especially the fact they waved the 10-year waiting period. It was huge. It’s such a compliment to him. … He would be thrilled with all of this.”

As Michigan State honored Sadler at Spartan Stadium, Big Ten Network aired a really touching tribute video, produced and narrated by one of his best friends, reporter Michelle McMahon.

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.