GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Forest Hills Northern graduate Mike Sadler lived his life motto to the fullest.
"He found a prize in every day of the journey,” said his mom, Karen.
The Michigan State University punter helped others find that prize with his self-deprecating jokes.
"If this Cotton Bowl is riding on my athletic ability, then we might as well give them the trophy now,” Mike Sadler said prior to the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic.
He brought smiles to so many, and not just with his sense of humor. Mike Sadler paired his God-given abilities with a work ethic matched by few.
"It might be 3, 4, or 5 in the morning, he'd be up to getting his studies done or getting his papers done,” added Karen.
Mike Sadler earned his master's degree in the time it takes most to earn an undergraduate diploma. The four-time Academic All-American was also one of the nation's top punters on the field.
That all changed on July 23rd, 2016. Mike Sadler died in a car crash on his way home from a kicking camp in Wisconsin.
“He was my best friend,” his mother said, pausing.
At a time when many would have given up, Mike Sadler’s mom, dad and sister turned to his life motto, trying find the prize during the darkest of days.
"It gives me hope knowing that I can get up every day and make something good happen in Mike's name,” said Karen. “And we are!"