Remembering Sam Foltz: The Nebraska Punter‘s Tragic Death and Its Enduring Legacy

The shocking death of Nebraska Cornhuskers punter Sam Foltz in a 2016 car crash devastated the football program and community. As a home renovation pro who loves football and video games in my free time, I wanted to put together a guide to properly honor Foltz‘s life and impact. This is for both diehard Huskers fans who remember the tragic day like it was yesterday, as well as a new generation of players and supporters who should learn about Foltz‘s inspiring legacy.

The Fatal Crash: A Talent Gone Too Soon

July 23, 2016 started out like any other day for Sam Foltz. The 22-year-old star punter was heading home from a weekend kicking camp in Wisconsin with friends when tragedy struck. Around 11:45 pm, the car driven by former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler went off the road and struck a tree at high speed. Sadler and Foltz, who were not wearing seat belts according to crash investigators, died instantly.

LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye survived the single-vehicle accident. Police stated alcohol was not involved, but speed was likely a factor on the rural road. The news left the entire college football world in shock that summer. As a home renovation expert and Cornhuskers fan myself, I was heartbroken over the loss of such a talented young man.

Foltz‘s Accomplishments at Nebraska

• 44.2 career yards per punt average – 1st in school history
• 2 time All-Big Ten selection (2014, 2015)
• 2016 Nebraska Student-Athlete of the Year
• Ray Guy Award Semifinalist (nation‘s top punter)

Stats and awards alone don‘t capture everything though. By all accounts, Foltz was a leader on and off the field. His work ethic, character, and spirit touched everyone around him. Even opponents looked up to Foltz. His loss at just 22 years old, on the verge of his senior season, left a massive hole in the Huskers program.

Remembering #27

While Sam Foltz‘s life ended far too soon, his impact at Nebraska lives on through countless tributes and memorials. Some of the ways the school honored their fallen punter:

• Bronze statue captures Foltz in the act of punting a ball near Memorial Stadium‘s gate 27. Seeing the statue in person, you can feel his intensity and power. As a craftsman myself, I‘m amazed by the sculptor‘s skill in bringing Sam to life.

• The Sam Foltz Memorial Scholarship goes annually to a Huskers walk-on special teams player – perfect way to remember Foltz‘s own rise from walk-on to stardom.

• Team Jack Foundation, which funds pediatric brain cancer research, presents the Sam Foltz Hero Award each year to a community hero who embodies Foltz‘s values. As someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, their work means so much.

• 27 second moment of silence, followed by balloon release, during Sam Foltz Day on July 29, 2016. Even writing this, I still get chills remembering that powerful tribute.

These memorials help new generations of Huskers fans like my kids learn Sam‘s story and what he stood for. But honors alone could never fill the hole left by his passing.

Coping with the Tragedy: Teammates, Friends, and Family

Losing a friend and teammate like Foltz at such a young age can be impossible to comprehend. The tight-knit bonds formed between players made this loss especially hard for the whole Nebraska program.

Some quotes from teammates and coaches about coping with the tragedy:

"You just can‘t replace a guy like Sam Foltz," said Corey Whitaker, who stepped in as starting punter. "The team is still hurting from the loss."

"It‘s hard walking by his locker every day," linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey remarked. "We leave a light on in memory of him."

"I will never forget Sam," head coach Mike Riley said at the memorial service. "He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed."

For me as a home renovation pro, the bonds I form with clients and coworkers are so important. I cannot imagine how painful this loss must have been for those who knew Foltz best. My heart goes out to all his friends, especially those who were with him that night.

While Foltz can never be replaced, he clearly impacted so many young men during his life. His mantra "count your blessings, not your problems" will stay with teammates forever. Nebraska also brought in grief counselors and pastors to provide emotional support to players in the tragedy‘s aftermath.

From Tragedy to Reform: Improving Safety

The death of any college athlete is always difficult, but especially so when it seems preventable. In response to losing Foltz, the school and athletic department reevaluated policies on transportation, practice protocols, and education around safe driving. Some of the key reforms:

• Transportation rules revised: Team travel now required on buses or other school-approved methods. Driving personal cars for activities is prohibited without special waiver. Had this rule been in place, the crash may have never happened.

• Practice changes: Coaching staff significantly altered conditioning and workout regimens to allow for more recovery time between grueling sessions. This reform received praise from sports medicine experts.

• Safe driving programs implemented: Every Nebraska athlete now must complete driving safety modules that cover drunk driving, distractions, seat belts, speed limits, and more. Continuing Foltz‘s legacy means preventing future tragedies.

While I mainly know Foltz from afar as a fan, it‘s clear he deeply cared for his teammates and community. These reforms at Nebraska, and later adopted by other programs, show that even in grief, we can still take steps to protect athletes.

The Huskers Legacy Lives On

Sam Foltz‘s impact endures at Nebraska through his memorial but also through his teammates who now carry on his mission. The call to live, work, and serve with Foltz‘s vigor has motivated a new generation of Huskers.

Today at practices, you may notice players joining together to lift up Foltz‘s mantras, like "count your blessings, not your problems." During difficult workouts and slogs through the cold, they remember the perspective Sam brought to the game.

On Saturdays in Lincoln, amid 85,000 screaming fans, Nebraska‘s special teams still feel Foltz with them. When defenders break through to attempt a block, Foltz‘s spirit strengthens the protection unit. And on booming punts that pin opponents deep, you can feel Foltz‘s presence guiding that ball downfield.

So while Huskers fans still miss seeing #27 out on the turf, his legacy remains alive. The spirit of Sam Foltz will continue inspiring athletes in Lincoln for generations to come. As a proud Nebraskan myself, I am comforted knowing that his selfless example pushes the Cornhuskers to new heights each season. Sam‘s memory will never fade.