Proud Hall of Famer Coach and Father Tom Izzo Breaks Down in Tears for His Son’s Achievement With Michigan

Published 03/07/2024, 9:28 AM EST

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

Tom Izzo and his son Steven have seen some tough times. However, with Spartans winning over Northwestern, Steven has finally achieved his perfect “kiss the floor” moment. The walk-on for Michigan State University could not hold back his tears as he gave a post-game interview beside his father. With a career total of 3 points in 1.4 minutes, the Hall of Famer coach and father Tom Izzo shares his pride alongside his son.

When talking to Andy Katz of the NBA TV, Steven and Tom gleamed over their 53-49 win on the senior night. When Andy asked Tom how he felt winning and having his son kiss the floor, the coach got overwhelmed. He said, “To be honest with you, we weren’t great. We won a game, people are happy, I’m happy for these guys, I’m just gonna find a way to enjoy tonight. I don’t care how we played.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Andy also asked Steve-O that he has been waiting for five years for this moment, to which he quipped, “A lot longer than that.” He then asked the walk-on how he felt about continuing the tradition on his senior night with his father. He said, “I’m so thankful that he allowed me to walk on five years ago. It’s been the greatest decision that I’ve ever made. No matter how hard the lifts are or how long meetings go, it’s all worth it at the end of the day. And I’m just so grateful I get to do it with you.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the midst of all the celebration, Andy Katz also asked Tom Izzo an emotional question. Following the same, Izzo gave everyone some advice.

Tom Izzo shares his thoughts with all parent coaches

Tom gave a much-needed advice when asked what he’s missing most part of Steven’s childhood: “Well, I tell every man and woman out there that coaches a men’s or women’s sport, if you can have your son or daughter with you, there’s nothing better. There’s nothing better, man. We’ve all sacrificed a lot, a lot of coaches have sacrificed more than I do. But getting some of that back means the world to me.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

It was surely a sentimental moment for the entire Michigan State and Izzo family. Steven getting to be a part of the long-standing tradition of Spartans to kiss the logo on his senior night is just a cherry on top. It will be interesting to see how Tom Izzo and Steven move forward in their careers. Are you excited too?

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shahryar Fazal

628Articles

One take at a time

Shahryar Fazal is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His specialisation lies in his scrupulous Live Coverage of the events like NCAA and WNBA tournaments. A former sportsman himself, Shahryar used to contribute stories for publishing houses like TOI before taking up American sports as his field of interest.
Show More>

Edited by:

Bilal Handoo