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Nebraska P Sam Foltz, Former Michigan State P Mike Sadler Killed in Car Accident

By George Stockburger

Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Sam Foltz (27) attempts a punt during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Sam Foltz (27) attempts a punt during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The sports world is grieving today after learning Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in an automobile accident early Sunday morning.

LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was also a passenger, but was reportedly discharged Sunday afternoon after receiving stitches and  treatment for burns on his legs.

The three were serving as staff at a football camp in southern Wisconsin over the weekend.

Initial reports are that the car lost control on wet pavement and hit a tree. Sadler, 24, was driving, and Foltz, 22, was in the passenger’s seat. Delahoussaye was in the back row at the time of the accident, which has been speed related according to police.

Sadler and Foltz were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Foltz was the Big 10 Punter of the Year in 2015, and was on the watch-list for the Ray Guy award heading into the 2016 season. The four-time scholar-athlete honor roll student led the Big 10 in average yards per punt last season with 44.2 yards. He was also awarded the Nebraska’s Student-Athlete HERO Leadership Award in 2016.

Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley released the following statement regarding Foltz passing:

"“Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform. Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”"

Nebraska athletic director Shawn Eichorst also released a statement on Sunday:

"“Our prayers of love and support go out to Sam’s family during this difficult time and we will do all that we can to help comfort them in this time of sadness. Sam was truly a tremendous young man, who represented everything that a Nebraska student, athlete, teammate and friend should strive to be. While his loss is devastating, his impact will be felt forever. Along with Coach Riley, our focus is on providing Sam’s family, teammates and friends with the critical support and love that they need at this time.”"

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
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 /

Sadler started all four years as Michigan State’s punter from 2011 to 2014, and is among the schools’ all-time leaders in nearly every punting category. He was a 2013 Ray Guy Award semifinalist and was named a first-team All-American.

He worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but never played in the NFL.

He was reportedly planning on attending Stanford Law School.

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