The University of Nebraska Athletics Department has confirmed that Nebraska's senior punter Sam Foltz was killed in a car accident Saturday night after attending a kicking camp in Wisconsin.
Foltz was a three-year starter for the Nebraska football team and a native of Greely, Nebraska. The Eddleman-Fields Big Ten Punter of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten punter graduated with his degree in Agronomy in May.
Head Coach Mike Riley, along with Tommy Armstrong Jr., Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp will not be attending Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.
Statement from University of Nebraska Head Football Coach Mike Riley:
"Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform. Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
"Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform. Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
Statement from University of Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst:
“Our prayers of love and support go out to Sam’s family during this difficult time and we will do all that we can to help comfort them in this time of sadness. Sam was truly a tremendous young man, who represented everything that a Nebraska student, athlete, teammate and friend should strive to be. While his loss is devastating, his impact will be felt forever. Along with Coach Riley, our focus is on providing Sam’s family, teammates and friends with the critical support and love that they need at this time.”
“Our prayers of love and support go out to Sam’s family during this difficult time and we will do all that we can to help comfort them in this time of sadness. Sam was truly a tremendous young man, who represented everything that a Nebraska student, athlete, teammate and friend should strive to be. While his loss is devastating, his impact will be felt forever. Along with Coach Riley, our focus is on providing Sam’s family, teammates and friends with the critical support and love that they need at this time.”
