Michigan State football: The Spartan Walk, in the Spartans’ own words

On Friday, well before the kickoff under the glare of Spartan Stadium, Michigan State football will partake in one of the great traditions of college football. They will participate in the Spartan Walk. The walk, for those who do not know, is from the Kellogg Center to the Spartan Statue, where the players place a penny on it, to Spartan Stadium.

In total, the walk takes about 1300 steps and under 10 minutes. However, the tradition means much more than a walk of less than one mile could describe.

Rod Bullard Jr., a new addition to the Spartans in the spring, recently spoke about the tradition on Aug. 18, saying it will mean a lot to him to experience this.

“It’s a very rich tradition, one that I’m going to be taking in on Friday,” Bullard said. “It’s going to mean a lot to me to experience something like this on the highest level.”

While I could speak about this tradition until I am blue in the face, I thought, why not have the athletes tell you about this tradition?

In their own words, here is the Spartan Walk.

Q: When did you learn of this tradition?

Brian Lewerke (QB, 2015-19) led the walk for two years as a captain, and he learned of this tradition on his official visit during his senior year of high school.

“I learned of the tradition on my visit to MSU. I remember watching the guys in 2014 doing the walk,” said Lewerke.

Tre Mosley (WR, 2019-23) experienced it on prior visits to the campus, along with the West Bloomfield High graduate learning about it from players on the team.

“It was a mix of all my visits throughout my junior/senior years of high school along with knowing a few guys who were already on team,” said Mosley.

Dante Razzano (LB, 2016-19) had the second-most prior knowledge of the tradition, with the linebacker witnessing the tradition as a season ticket holder before his skills enabled him to be a participant in it.

“I first learned about the tradition when I was a kid. My parents had season tickets growing up and would see the team walk by. It was one of the highlights of my childhood and thought it was the coolest tradition at Michigan State,” said Razzano.

Matt Seybert (TE/DE, 2016-19), meanwhile, got a ‘baptism by fire’ experience, learning about it during his first walk.

“I learned about it Week 1. I had no idea what to expect, really a magical thing to experience for the first time. Even for a walk-on who wasn’t playing, it was a special and exhilarating feeling being a part of something that was clearly bigger than any one person,” said Seybert.

Darien Harris (LB, 2011-15) was in a similar boat as Seybert, with his late visits preventing the linebacker from seeing the walk live. That said, his expectations were blown out of the water on his first Spartan Walk.

“I learned about it, honestly, during my first actual walk. I visited during basketball season after they won the Big Ten in 2010, so I did not experience a game-day until I was on campus and on the team and we did not walk through it before game-day so it was an insane experience that first time, especially not really knowing what to expect,” said Harris.

Byron Bullough (LB, 2014-18), meanwhile, wound up giving me a small history lesson, detailing that Mark Dantonio brought the walk back in 2007.

“I first learned of the Spartan Walk when Coach D brought it back in his first season, 2007. My Grandfather informed me later on that it goes back many decades. Learning that only strengthened my admiration for the tradition. It’s another element of MSU’s strong football heritage,” said Bullough.

Q: What did the Spartan Walk mean to you, as a player?

Lewerke voiced his thoughts on the matter, and also made sure to take some shots at the normal walks that teams participate in, where they hop off of a bus.

“The walk meant a lot to me as a player. It was sweet to be able to get to interact with fans before the game. It was also just cooler showing up to a game by walking, instead of hopping off a bus.  It also meant a lot, being a captain doing the walk. To be one of the guys that walked with Coach D and the other captains was awesome and a massive privilege,” said Lewerke.

Seybert echoed these sentiments on the tradition, with the former tight end mentioning the chance to see his family. Trust me, this will not be the last time the players mention their family.

“Early in my career, it was a special moment for me and my family to share actually. Getting to see them on the way to the game, it was always special. It was a moment I felt proud of myself because I knew they were proud of me. After seeing my family, it was an opportunity to flip the switch as soon as my feet hit that grass on the field,” said Seybert

Mosley noted the vibes in the walk, and would take the walk soak in the energy of the crowd.

“The walk was a great way to just soak in all the energy and see so many fans who’ve supported us throughout the season. Always good vibes,” said Mosley.

DeAri Todd (DL, 2017-2020) provided some of the most in-depth, intense answers for this. For Todd, this tradition meant the world. He was ready to lay it all on the line for his Spartan community every Saturday.

“The Spartan Walk was always one of the most powerful parts of game day for me. Walking from the Kellogg Center to the stadium with fans lined up on both sides gave you this incredible sense of pride and responsibility. It wasn’t just about us as players, it was about representing the entire Spartan community, past present, and future.

What made it even more special was seeing the different generations such as older alumni who had walked it years before standing next to kids dreaming of being Spartans one day. That connection tied everything together and reminded me of the legacy we were carrying on,” said Todd.

Bullough took the walk to focus and prepare to excel. That said, the fan support was something that did not go unnoticed during his time in the Spartan Walk.

“The Spartan Walk, as a player, was always a time to get myself mentally prepared to perform at the highest level, while also appreciating the fanbase who wanted to see us excel and put on a show. The green and white support is always special. The fans’ energy, along with the band, during the walk was a feeling like none other as you prepared to go win for your university,” said Bullough.

Razzano took the time to appreciate the moment and live out his dream with family there. He also took the time to appreciate the calm before the story.

“As a player, it was a time to take in the moment. For me, I always had my family there and it always reminded me of that feeling I had as a kid, living out a dream. But also, a moment of solace before the intensity of (the) 75k in Spartan Stadium. Taking part in that tradition was a lifelong memory,” said Razzano.

For Harris, he got to participate in the Spartan Walk in three different roles: as a player, a captain, and as Michigan State football Director of Player Personnel. For the linebacker-turned-personnel director, it was a “full circle moment”.

“It meant a lot to me during all those phases of my career as a Spartan. As a young player I really got a chance to grasp the opportunity I was living to play big time football at a big-time school in a big-time conference. As a captain I got to walk at the front of the line and figuratively lead the team into battle and really embrace that feeling of a Spartan, like when King Leonidas led his warriors to battle and left home. They got to where they were going on foot. We felt the same way. Returning to staff and walking was nostalgic and full circle. Coach D used to always tell us to complete our circles and I felt like I was able to do that walking that walk during multiple eras of my own MSU journey,” said Harris.

Q: What was each walk like for you? What went through your head during the walk?

Todd stole the spotlight in the interview with another quote that makes me ready to run through a brick wall.

“On a personal level, it always hit me when I saw young kids in Spartan gear and families cheering us on. It was a reminder of why I chose Michigan State and how privileged I was to wear the green and white. By the time we reached the stadium, I felt both locked in and grateful, fueled by that energy and ready to go to battle for the Spartan family.

And when we finally linked arms and walked the field together as a team, that was the ultimate moment of unity. It gave me a deep sense of togetherness with my brothers, knowing we were about to fight for each other and for everyone who wore green and white before us,” said Todd.

Lewerke, who was the starting quarterback a majority of his walks, claims that his mind was not racing during the walk.

“I honestly didn’t think about anything crazy during the walk. I would just enjoy the moment and say hi to my parents (who were always in the same spot),” said Lewerke.

While Razzano’s mind was also not racing, the feeling of thankfulness was one that rose above the rest.

“There wasn’t a ton going through my head, however, once you touch Sparty and turn the corner to see Spartan Stadium, I just always remembered feeling like it was a blessing to have this opportunity,” said Razzano.

For Razzano’s 2019 teammate, Seybert, there were a few thoughts that stood out.

“Each walk was exhilarating. Honestly, a lot of thoughts went through my head, if I had to remember some of the main ones. One, I remember thinking ‘(expletive), our fans really love us.’ Two, this is big-time college football. Three, one of the most recent thoughts I had, from 2019 (author’s note: his senior year), was, ‘people actually know who I am now,” said Seybert.

For Mosley, it was a time for him to lock in and prepare for the upcoming game. The multi-year starting cleared his head of anything that was not football.

“For myself, it was just a time to think about any last-minute adjustments we made for the game and to just clear my mind of anything that wasn’t football,” said Mosley.

For Harris, it was a second to appreciate the fans and the support as his squads prepared to do battle.

“Each walk had its own feel to it based on the game, the time of day and the mindset going into it. Mainly though for me, it was truly about walking through a gallery of supporters and getting ready for battle, and when you really embraced how many people were there to support you and cheer you on, you did not want to let them down,” Harris said.

For Bullough, it was a mix of a little bit of Mosley’s mindset, alongside Harris’. While his mindset varied each walk, his family did always come first.

“Each walk was its own experience. Some games I would try to high five as many fans as I could, and on other occasions, I would be locked in on what my assignments were for that given week. I never missed seeing my family members before the games. Their support throughout all of my years playing was impeccable,” said Bullough.

Q. Do you have a favorite Spartan Walk or moment?

For Lewerke there were no particular walks that stood out, but he had full love for this tradition.

“I don’t think there was a specific moment that was my favorite; all the walks were kind of the same (laughs), but I just loved the tradition in general,” said Lewerke.

Seybert also did not have a favorite moment, but did look back to his own childhood, reflecting on giving out high-fives.

“Honestly, not one specific moment sticks out to me, I just really appreciated stopping to give kids high five’s and interact with them because I know that’s when my dream started, and if a college football player gave me a high-five before the game that would literally make my day,” said Seybert.

Mosley agreed with his fellow pass-catcher, but did concede that his first and final walks stood out more, though.

“I don’t necessarily have a favorite walk but obviously my first and last stick out the most, as they were the beginning and end of my career at MSU,” said Mosley.

For Todd, the Spartan Walk against Michigan remains a core memory.

“My favorite Spartan Walk was of course before the Michigan game. The energy was unreal. The walk to the stadium was completely packed, fans were shoulder to shoulder, and you could just feel the intensity in the air. Linking arms with my teammates and walking that field that day gave me chills. It was one of those moments where you knew you were part of something bigger than yourself, and it made me proud to wear the green and white,” said Todd.

Razzano’s favorite Spartan Walk also came against Michigan, and he provided some background to Dantonio’s “helmet games” soundbite about why the Spartans had their helmets on during the infamous incident with a Michigan linebacker.

“My favorite Spartan Walk was wearing the helmets in 2018 against Michigan. Coach D was very intentional in ‘helmet games’. You brought it with you all weekend to think about the moment, and the job you had to do. You carried it around, brought it to meetings, dinners, all as a reminder about what it is you need to do when you get on that field. Then walking to the stadium with it on just had a different feel to it. Obviously, something else ensued once we did our walk across the field, but that’s another story,” Razzano said.

Bullough had the most unique answer of the group. His favorite Spartan Walk: the electric atmosphere before a primetime matchup against the Oregon Ducks. On top of an amazing atmosphere, the walk came before his home Michigan State football debut.

“I enjoyed every Spartan Walk, but I vividly remember the first home game I saw the field in 2015 against Oregon. The fanbase was electric, and flipping that penny on the Spartan Statue was a special moment. I knew I was going to suit up and play with that Spartan on the side of my helmet, something I dreamt of and worked for since I was little,” said Bullough.

For Harris, he touched on the moment that was the highlight of each one of his walks, which was seeing his father.

“My favorite moment of every walk was greeting my dad. He stood in the same spot on every walk my entire career. (He) never missed a game. And I know as I rounded the corner after pitching a penny on the Sparty statue, that he was going to be right there are fired up as ever, no matter the opponent, temperature or time of day. That was enough to get me in the right frame of mind,” Harris said.

Q. What is something you would tell players about to take their first Spartan Walk on Friday night?

Seybert had the most unique response of the group, encouraging the first time Spartan Walk members to turn their music up and enjoy the walk.

“I would say put an absolute banger on in your head phones and enjoy it passionately. Realize that you are going to miss this walk, so take it all in. This is your chance to enjoy the experience with the fans, the atmosphere, with your teammates, without worrying about a thing. You’ve put in the work, have fun now,” said Seybert.

Lewerke agreed on soaking in the moment, but specifically noted to remove those headphones.

“I would tell the new guys to soak up the moment. You only get so many of them. Also take your headphones off so you can be present in the moment and not be distracted by your music,” Lewerke said.

Todd agreed with his QB1, noting to take those headphones off.

“I’d tell them to just be present and take it all in. Don’t wear headphones – hear the chants, the fight song, and really soak up that atmosphere. In all my years I never wore headphones during the walk because I wanted to show love to the fans, give kids high fives, and let people know I appreciated them being there and supporting Spartan nation. That energy and tradition is what makes the Spartan Walk so special, and you only get so many of those moments, so embrace it,” said Todd.

Razzano’s message for the newcomers to the tradition was a reminder to look at the support, and encouragement for the players to put on a show.

“I would tell anyone who is about to take that walk for the first time to look at the support this fan base can give you and how amazing this place can be. Michigan State is a special place, and that walk will be packed. Enjoy it and put on a show for every fan that is supporting you,” said Razzano.

Mosley had a simple, yet sentimental, response. He encourages those players to show love to the fans.

“Just enjoy it. Show appreciation to those individuals who show up early so you can feel extra supported going into a game,” said Mosley.

Bullough offered advice to the players, noting how short of a time these players have in college. It goes by quick, but enjoy each walk. He also offers advice to the players – don’t be trapped in their own headspace in “battle mode” quite yet.

“I would tell the players to soak up and take in all the moments that you have as a player, including the Spartan Walk. When you’re playing, you think that time in the jersey will last forever, but it’ll go quickly. Take advantage of every opportunity that you have with your teammates and live it to the fullest. Embrace the Spartan fans on the walk, don’t be in your own headspace quite yet, you’ll have a couple hours after to focus solely on the game and get in game mode. The players, coaches, and fans all want the same outcome: a dominating and exciting Spartan performance on the field,” Bullough said.

Harris shared the linebacker room with Bullough, and agreed wholeheartedly. He also noted the short amount of time these players get, around 25 in total.

“Cherish that first walk, because it begins a countdown of opportunities that add up to not many. It may seem in the moment that it is the first of many, but in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s the first of a few in the grand scheme of things. From freshman-to-senior year, you get around 25 or so of these moments. Don’t take any of them for granted, and feel proud to walk the path that so many great ones before you did who truly paved the way,” said Harris.

On Friday, Michigan State football players get to participate in the Spartan Walk, whether it is their first, 10th, or 20th. They get the chance to express their gratitude for the fans before the real work begins. As said by Matt Seybert, they’ve put in the work. It’s their turn to have some fun.