In May 2000, Tom Izzo was offered a 5-year contract from the Atlanta Hawks worth up to $4 million/yr.
One month removed from winning a national championship, the young coach had received a whale of an offer to join the NBA ranks.
Izzo’s MSU salary was $725,000.
Atlanta was offering to at least quadruple his salary, with reachable incentives pushing his compensation to 5.5x its current rate.
Wowed by the Hawks’ aggressive courtship, Izzo and his family traveled south to visit the team facilities.
Welcomed as heroes, they received a full-court press aimed at luring the Izzo family to Atlanta.
Their whirlwind visit concluded, the Izzo’s returned home to ponder the crossroads laid before them.
Acknowledging the enormity of the decision, Tom Izzo and wife Lupe agreed to sleep on it.
The following morning, Izzo called Atlanta.
He was turning down their offer of $4 million, and signing an extension with Michigan State for $1.1 million instead.
The verdict stunned Atlanta GM Pete Babcock, who had already begun preparations to introduce his new head coach.
“Tom was our man. We tried, but he wouldn’t leave Michigan State.”
Later that day, Izzo held a press conference in East Lansing to announce his decision.
A reporter asked if he might one day regret rejecting an offer to quadruple his salary.
“I won’t have regrets.
I decided to be a Spartan forever.”
This is fantastic from Mike Elko!
“My job [as a coach] is to always be opposite the moment.”
Leaders are either fighting chaos or fighting complacency.
My phone has been burning up all morning.
Yes, this should have been a flag for targeting in #TEXvsASU. It meets all of the criteria of targeting (Rule 9-1-4).
Wow! Tom Brady may have just delivered the greatest quote I’ve ever heard.
“To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”
As much of a gut punch this loss is. I have no doubt the @Lions have the right people in place to win a Super Bowl in the future. Let’s not forget this is just year 3 and many of our major contributors are rookies. Thanks Detroit By far the most fun I’ve had as a fan #allgrit
This picture of Hutch may go unnoticed by some, but pay attention to the Latin words on his shirt, “Resurget Cineribus” — To Rise from the ashes.
History Lesson:
For those who may find this puzzling, in 1805, the entire city of Detroit burned to the ground, leaving only one building standing. In the aftermath, Territorial Judge Augustus Woodward devised a street plan modeled after Washington, D.C. The layout mirrored the design of the nation’s capital, featuring diagonal streets radiating like the spokes of a wheel.
On the Detroit City Flag, the inscription reads, “Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus,” translating to “We hope for better things; it will arise from the ashes.” The City of Detroit literally rose from the ashes, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.
The city motto and the sports teams share a profound connection, especially in recent years with the consistent rebuilding efforts of each team. The Lions embody the essence of the motto, “Rise from ashes.” Just three years ago, the Detroit Lions had a first-year coach, an underrated quarterback, and a dismal 3-13-1 record. Today, they stand just one game away from a Super Bowl appearance.
So when the nation wonders why this Lions’ journey is so extraordinary, it’s because it mirrors the unique spirit of Detroit. Through unwavering determination and hard work, we rebuild until the product is perfected. Throughout history, there have been moments when Detroit moved the world, and now, once again, the city and its football team rise from the ashes to inspire us all.
History via Detroit Historical Society
📸 Via Detroit Lions/ Jeff Nguyen
#ALLGRIT
We are looking for teams to join our 7v7 Sat. July 22 9am- NOON.
Great opportunity for some football and TEAM BUILDING. Grand Haven State Park and Pier Marquette Beach are a short drive away.
Ball in the AM. Beach in the PM.
DM @Coach_N8Smith if interested. 7v7 is FREE.
One of the Hardest Working guys I know. I'm beyond proud of everything you have and will continue to accomplish this year. The school that gets him will have one hell of a player! #ProudAlumni
After a great conversation with @Coach_Ekkens I am truly blessed to receive my first offer and have the ability to play at Saginaw Valley State University. Go Cards!
Morning Spartan fans. Let's all remember who brought this rivalry back from the grave, and what a debt we owe this man. Love you coach Dantonio. @DantonioMark@MSU_Football