Dante Razzano: Spartan Family Ties

Family ties are something that run deep within the Spartan Nation. For senior linebacker, Dante Razzano, the story is not much different.

Coming from a family of Spartans, with both parents and siblings attending Michigan State, Razzano knew this was where he wanted to be.

"I have that family lineage here and all the memories of me coming to Spartan games as a kid kind of led to the easy decision to come here," Razzano said.

Razzano had the opportunity to play basketball at the next level, but once Michigan State football became a part of the discussion, there was nothing else on his mind.

"I'd try to make sure to stop in and see Coach (Mark) Staten and show my face around the building and show that I really wanted to be here as a Spartan and be on the team," Razzano said.

Growing up a Spartan, Razzano and his family had season tickets, which made his Spartan spirit even stronger. He has several fond childhood memories at Spartan Stadium and has even participated in drills and camps in the past.

"Once we started getting season tickets, I was here for Little Giants. I was actually on the field for the Wisconsin game. One of our friends had sideline passes, so for that Hail Mary play. I was right on the goal line, and I saw that," said Razzano. "Those are all really, really good memories. Back as far as I can remember, I remember coming up to Michigan State games with my family."

Razzano has been an incredible asset to Spartans during his time here. Not only has he has helped on special teams and defense, but he also has been given the opportunity to help signal and assist with defensive schemes from the sideline.

"I've been truly blessed to be in a position where they trust me enough to be able to listen in and signal in the defense sometimes," said Razzano. "It's a different role, but at the same time I take a lot of pride in what I do because I feel honored that I've been able to do that."

Being a student-athlete comes with it's ups and downs, but Razzano is grateful for all of the life lessons and growth it's provided him with during his time as a Spartan.

"As a student-athlete, you are privileged to have the opportunity to come work out and do all these things that take up so much of your time," Razzano said. "You really have to be disciplined in your studies. You have to be disciplined in things you do off the field and in the classroom.

"The time management that you have to have and the discipline and also the team aspect that you have to have. I think it bodes well down the future. If you want to get into leadership positions, you have to know how to survive on a team with 110 extra guys and how to play that dynamic."

Razzano is especially excited to take the skills he's garnered over the past four years and translate them into the workforce. He recently accepted a full-time offer with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn upon completion of an internship last summer.

"It was something as a fit that felt right, kind of like Michigan State did. A lot of people are really close in that work space. It didn't really feel like going to work," Razzano said.

It's a bittersweet feeling walking away from a sport that has provided so many valuable tools for the future. Razzano knows his time is coming to an end, but is looking forward to use his experiences to his advantage during his next endeavor.

"Leaving football is hard, but stepping into that space and being able to do something you love with a great environment and a great company made it easier to transition away from football," Razzano said. "It was hard, but that really made it kind of an easy decision, and I really liked everything that they had there."

The impact that Razzano has made during his time as a Spartan will last forever. The football community will miss his leadership on the team after graduation, but the family ties and the memories will last forever.

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