LSU Tigers

Watch as Nebraska pays touching tribute to Sam Foltz

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:44 p.m. ET

Barry Werner

Perhaps the most emotional venue for the opening Saturday of college football was Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.

The Cornhuskers were paying tribute to Sam Foltz, their All-Conference punter, who was killed in an auto accident in July. Michigan State punter Mike Sadler also lost his life in the accident, and LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was injured.

The Huskers remembered Foltz before they hit the field.

The youngsters in No. 27 jerseys are Sam Foltz's nephews.

We play for each other.

We play for Foltz.

Family. pic.twitter.com/W41M2k4NMU
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) September 4, 2016

https://twitter.com/HuskerFBNation/status/7722238541312819 20

Powerful moment pregame as the specialists took the field. #SF27 #Huskers #B1G pic.twitter.com/KmuHjQaqNU
— Ryan Mix (@RyanMixTV) September 3, 2016

When they had to punt for the first time against Fresno State, 10 special teams players took the field.

No one was in the spot of the punter, Foltz' familiar spot.

A loud ovation and tears from his teammates.

The Huskers drew a penalty for delay of game. And in a wonderful, classy gesture, Fresno State declined the penalty.

We had to take a delay of game, weren't able to get all 11 guys out to punt in time.

Missing one of them. pic.twitter.com/o3mzXQZqlO
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) September 4, 2016

Fresno St. HC Tim DeRuyter on the first punt, and why there was no was he'd accept the delay of game penalty. #SF27 pic.twitter.com/VaUIgT1bGK
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) September 4, 2016

A rainbow over Memorial Stadium. You can't make this stuff up. #Huskers #SF27 pic.twitter.com/QF7V2gvmwt
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) September 4, 2016

Foltz was remembered at another game, too.

The kicker who gave Wisconsin a 16-14 victory over LSU at Lambeau Field, Rafael Gaglianone, switched his number this season to 27 to pay tribute to Foltz.

What a moment with Gaglianone booming the go-ahead FG for @BadgerFootball wearing #27 in honor of Sam Foltz #B1G pic.twitter.com/1TKDeSZJnY
— Jason Yellin (@JasonYellin) September 3, 2016