Mike Sadler's legacy is still being felt 10 years later

Spartan Avenue · Jul 22, 2026 13:30 · 3 min read

Mike Sadler's legacy is still being felt 10 years later — Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans punter Mike Sadler (3) punts the ball during the 2nd half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MSU won 27-22. Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Michigan State is a family, it always has been and it always will be. That family is missing Mike Sadler a little extra these days.

Michigan State football is a family, it always has been and it always will be. That's why the phrase once a Spartan always a Spartan always holds true, even when you’re no longer with us.

That has been true for 10 years now.

Mike Sadler will be remembered for many things during the 24 years he spent on earth. Friends, family, and former coaches that gathered this past weekend in Mike's hometown of Grand Rapids this past weekend to celebrate his life and continue to carry on his legacy.

Has it really been 10 years without Mike Sadler already?

Sunday marked the 10th anniversary celebration of Mike's life. Yes, it has been 10 years since Sadler lost his life alongside former Nebraska punter Sam Foltz in a tragic accident.

This yearly event held in Mike's honor had a massive meaning on Sunday as fans, friends, and family gathered at Atwater Brewery in Grand Rapids. It gives Spartans everywhere a place to come together to help carry the amazing legacy that Sadler built as one of the best punters in Michigan State history — and in college football history.

Plenty of dignitaries were on hand, including former Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio.

Coach D spoke about the importance of carrying on Mike's legacy with local reporters.

"He was an outstanding young man and it's amazing how his legacy is lived on," Dantonio said. "You see that here today the impact on so many different people and being part of their lives."

Also in attendance was current Spartan head coach Pat Fitzgerald who quite famously tried to out-recruit Dantonio for Sadler's talents when he was at Northwestern.

Carrying on Sadler’s legacy well beyond the field

Mike's mother, Karen, continues to carry on his legacy, as the Mike Sadler Foundation once again hosted the event while also continuing to do what her son believed in. Karen spoke about what he meant well beyond the gridiron and why it's so important to give back.

"He left us the legacy that was built on character, integrity and value in education so with that legacy of his we have developed a program called GameChang3rs where we teach high school kids how to mentor younger kids around the six pillars that were important to Mike," Karen said.

Currently the foundation has reached more than 8,900 students and hopes to reach thousands more in the year ahead.

As someone who was able to witness his play, and his character in person, to think it has been a decade since his passing, Mike is still always on my mind. No. 3 will never be forgotten, and it's great to see that this event continues all these years later.