Since Saturday, Sept. 3 when Nebraska kicked off its regular season against Fresno State, several opponents went above and beyond to honor punter Sam Foltz. After tragically losing Foltz at the end of July, the 2016 season has been one in his honor. By participating, Nebraska’s opponents have shown that some things are simply bigger than football.
Fresno State
https://twitter.com/FresnoStateFB/status/772215025289293824
Fresno State kicked off the season for Nebraska by wearing helmet stickers for Foltz. It was a kind gesture to get an emotional season started.
Additionally, Fresno State declined a delay of game penalty when Nebraska only sent 10 men onto the field for the first punt.
Oregon
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/777206703267786752
Nothing will explain the moment that Oregon placed flowers at the 27-yard line for Nebraska. It was incredibly special to witness.
https://twitter.com/GoDucks/status/777208401499607040
Northwestern
https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/779771399506432001
Similar to Fresno State, Northwestern also honored Foltz with helmet stickers. #SF27 looks good on any helmet, for what it’s worth.
Illinois
https://twitter.com/ILLequipment/status/782292923052208128
The Fighting Illini kicked off the presentation of jerseys in Foltz’s honor. They even signed the jersey, which was really neat.
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/782290014788997120
Purdue
Following in Illinois’ footsteps, the Boilermakers presented a custom No. 27 Purdue jersey with Foltz’s name on the back.
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/789901889244504065
Wisconsin
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/792485732564598785
The Wisconsin matchup was an emotional one as the Badgers’ kicker Rafael Gaglianone joined the Huskers in taking the field. He had previously switched his number to No. 27 in honor of his friend, which made it even more special.
https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/792488960333221889
Ohio State
Ohio State went all out in honoring Foltz. From start to finish, Foltz was extremely present at Ohio Stadium.
https://twitter.com/OhioStateFB/status/795046869613375489
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/795043949295661056
https://twitter.com/HailVarsity/status/794991874503307265
Minnesota
Minnesota offered a jersey to Nebraska in Foltz’s honor, as well as flowers.
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/797590976655163393
Additionally, the team spoke about what Foltz meant to them.
“The SF27 is not going to go down. It’s going to be raised up every game,” Minnesota punter Ryan Santoso said, per GopherSports.com. “You can just see how well respected he is in that stadium, in that community and in Nebraska.”
Maryland
Much like many for, the Terrapins created a custom Foltz jersey and presented it to the Husker specialists.
https://twitter.com/erinsorensen/status/800011655467962368
Iowa
https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/802197206669393920
Iowa not only presented Foltz with his own Hawkeye jersey, but also his own locker at Kinnick Stadium.
Beyond that, there was Nebraska’s senior day tribute, the Big Ten commemorative coin, BTN The Journey’s special and College GameDay’s segment. After losing Foltz, everything done in his honor was an incredible act of kindness.
Whether it was a win or a loss, these are the moments that will never be forgotten.
Erin is the Deputy Editor and Digital Marketing Strategist for Hail Varsity. She has covered Nebraska athletics since 2012, which has included stops at Bleacher Report, Cox Media Group’s Land of 10, and even Hail Varsity (previously from 2012-2017). She has also been featured on the Big Ten Network, NET’s Big Red Wrap-Up, and a varsity of radio shows nationwide. When not covering the Huskers, Erin is probably at Chipotle.
