From the Family of Michael Sadler...
I spoke last evening with Michael's mother Karen. As a long time friend of the Sadler family, she offered to send this to me to share with you.
The Obituary of Michael Sadler
An extraordinary life was abruptly halted when Michael 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. He is survived by his loving parents, Karen and David, his devoted sister, Katie, his grandparents, Louise and Bob Stukas, aunts and uncles: Janet & Dana Thurston, Joel & Bonnie Sadler, and Dick & Mary Sadler, and many wonderful, extended family members.
Mike graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 2010. 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 four-time Academic All American in MSU history, and only the fourth in NCAA history. 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 Pingle award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s Michigan Chapter. He was proud to be a Spartan and a member of the winning 100th Rose Bowl team.
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 a little fun along the way. He lived the example. He was determined, diligent, humble, compassionate and funny. He was everyone’s friend.
Though his life was short, it was packed with meaningful events and achievements. We invite you to join us in celebrating our beloved Michael’s life in Spartan Stadium at 3:00 on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Gifts to the Mike Sadler Legacy Football Scholarship Fund may be made in the following ways. Online at spartanfund.net by clicking on the “Give Now” link and choosing Mike Sadler Legacy Football Scholarship from the drop-down menu; by phone at 517-432-4610; or by mail to Michigan State University, Spartan Fund, 535 Chestnut Rd., Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48824.