Our WHY
Mike Sadler
Sadler, Michael 11/19/1991 - 7/23/2016 An extraordinary life was abruptly halted when Michael Robert Sadler, age 24, died in an automobile accident in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2016.
Sadler was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on November 19, 1991. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mike graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 2010.
His Achievements
As an accomplished student and a skilled kicker/punter, he received many collegiate football scholarship offers and ultimately chose to play at Michigan State University for Coach Mark Dantonio. At MSU Michael broke records on and off the field. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Engineering Sciences in three years then completed a Master's degree in Public Policy before graduating in 2015. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and various leadership organizations. Having been accepted at several top law schools, Sadler chose Stanford Law School and would have graduated with the class of 2019. He was planning to move to Palo Alto, CA, in August.
Michael earned unparalleled recognition in athletics and academics. He was the first student athlete in MSU history to win four-time Academic All American honors, and only the fourth in NCAA history to do so. He was a member of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class of 2014 and a William V. Campbell trophy finalist. ESPN and CBS slated him a First Team All American. He was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor in 2014 for outstanding athletic and academic achievement. Michael was also a two-time recipient of the Pingel Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame's Michigan Chapter. This award has now been renamed the Michael R. Sadler Award.
He was proud to be a Spartan. Sadler gained notoriety for influencing others through communication. He was a frequent guest on radio shows and often hosted for others. He created a hugely popular social media following, with over 26,600 followers on Twitter alone. Sadler used these platforms to infuse humor, wit, and philosophy into the lives of so many. He crafted numerous speeches and delivered them in an articulate and engaging way to audiences of thousands. The common thread in all was his advice to aim high, work hard, be proud, and have fun along the way. He lived the example. He was determined, diligent, humble, compassionate and funny. Though his life was short, it was packed with meaningful events and achievements.
He found the prize in his journey...every day.
His Character
Memories & Tributes
Thick and Thin Radio
Mike entertained sports enthusiasts with his uncanny wit and vivid stories in person, on stage and on air. Enjoy some of these podcasts of Mike in action with good friend and teammate, Travis Jackson.