How Nebraska's Opponents Honored Sam Foltz
Photo Credit: Aaron Babcock

How Nebraska’s Opponents Honored Sam Foltz

November 26, 2016

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.

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