Michigan State University Athletics
Former Spartan Academic All-American Don Bierowicz Passes Away
2/17/2026 4:48:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State Academic All-American Don Bierowicz has passed away at the age of 83 (1942-2026).
A member of the 1965 National Champion and Big Ten Champion Spartans under Hall of Fame Coach Duffy Daugherty, Bierowicz earned first-team Academic All-America honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) during his senior season. He also garnered Academic All-Big Ten accolades and was an honorable mention selection to the All-Big Ten team.
Bierowicz, a two-year letterwinner as a defensive tackle, helped the Spartan defense rank No. 1 in the nation in both scoring defense and rushing defense as a senior in 1965. The 1965 Spartan defense still ranks No. 1 in school history in fewest rushing yards allowed (47.3 ypg) and total defense (173.2 ypg). He played in all nine games during the 1964 season to earn his first Spartan letter.
A native of Chicago, Bierowicz graduated from St. Rita High School before attending Michigan State.
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