Sam Edwards: Graduate Senior Captain Leading On and Off the Field

By Emily Martin
For msuspartans.com

Sam Edwards, a sixth-year linebacker and James Madison scholar, is known for his leadership on and off the field. His ability to be level-headed brings the best out of his teammates.

His experience at Michigan State has led him to co-captaincy and a Campbell Trophy nomination. The award, considered by many to be the "academic Heisman," recognizes three integral aspects of football: leadership, athletic performance, and academic excellence.

The Williamston native and Lansing Catholic graduate has established a reputation of excellence in all three areas, and is considered to be a "servant leader" as well as a "consummate team guy" by his family and colleagues.

"It's a great honor," Edwards said. "It's even more personal coming from my background with my dad (Todd) working in academics, and putting in the work to get to this point – to be up for the award is pretty special."

This season, he was voted one of five captains for MSU football by his teammates and coaching staff.

"Sam being elected captain was a very special moment for our family," said Todd Edwards, his father, who is in his 22nd year at MSU and his ninth year as the Executive Director of Student-Athlete Support Services. "To see that others acknowledge what he was doing from a leadership standpoint, that didn't just happen this summer – that's been a role he's been growing into over time."

The three-year letter winner is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten and four-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honoree for his academic achievements in political science.

Edwards graduated with a double major in political theory and constitutional democracy, as well as international relations in May 2024. He went on to finish a minor in political economy last winter.

This past spring, Edwards returned as a sixth-year senior, now completing a master's degree in marketing research, with hopes of next attending law school.

"I tried to manufacture it by taking a challenging master's that would keep me out of my comfort zone and on my toes," Edwards said. "That's really helped me, just walking around in a program that's foreign and challenging to me."

Edwards recalls experiencing a vast amount of change and adversity during his time at MSU, having been a student for nearly six years.

"Adversity really introduces you to yourself, and introduces you to what's really the true nature of people around you," Edwards said. "As a captain, being able to show up, try and figure some things out, solve some problems, and stay consistent, I'd say, is pretty important right now."

In 2023, MSU football experienced two head coach changes that left the team uncertain and rattled, giving some players reason to question whether or not to stay, according to Todd. His son was determined to try to keep the team together during the low points, by focusing on his strong relationships within the team.

"He had the relationships to pull guys together and in some cases, convince them to stick it out and stay," Todd said. "Those weeks were crucial in maintaining some semblance of a team, and Sam was in the background working to keep things together."

Challenge and adversity are not new to Edwards; they propel him to both grow and lead. He mentioned the difficulties of staying committed to his academics going into his sixth year, but embraces the challenges after receiving his first degrees in 2024.

Edwards makes sure to prioritize a healthy balance of student, athlete, son, and leader, even with a packed agenda.

Todd has been able to support his son throughout his personal and academic journey in his role at Student-Athlete Support Services, with his office connected to the football building at the Clara Bell Smith Academic Center.

"Being able to see him every day throughout my college years, you can't get that back," Edwards said. "It's hard to put into words how cool that is, to be able to talk to him about practice face to face, or being able to see him when things aren't going well."

The Edwards family's devotion to their Roman Catholic religion plays a significant role in their lives. Edwards attributes much of his success to his faith and family dynamic.

"Our Catholic faith is at the center of our lives," Todd said. "With that comes the sense of duty for service and concern for others."

Edwards considers character and integrity to be vital tenets of leadership, which are personal values he makes sure to put at the forefront of his approach to both academics and athletics.

"For me, it's important to be where your feet are," Edwards said. "If I'm at practice, all of me is at practice; if I'm in meetings, all of me is in meetings; if I'm doing homework, I try to make sure all of me is in on my homework."

His dedication and strong work ethic also contributed to a recent addition of accomplishments and contributions. After playing in 38 games with MSU, obtaining multiple degrees, being a captain, and a Campbell trophy nomination, Edwards has now been appointed to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors as a student-athlete representative.

He is the first-ever MSU football player to be appointed to the Division I Board of Directors, and fourth football player in history to hold this role.

This role is the highest form of governing in Division I, and extends responsibilities to program budgets, game rules, and more. Earlier this year, he was selected as the Big Ten representative for the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee Student-Athlete Connection Group, where he contributed his perspective on legislation within the NCAA.

"I got appointed officially a few weeks ago, so I have that starting up very soon," Edwards said. "I'm hoping that helps me going forward and allows me to get experience with legal procedures while I prepare for law school."

The next step for Edwards in the short term will be celebrating Senior Day at Spartan Stadium on Saturday against Penn State. Edwards and his senior teammates will be recognized in a pregame ceremony prior to the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.

Sam Edwards: Graduate Senior Captain Leading On and Off the Field

Related News

Players Mentioned

Sam Edwards

Related Videos