Big Ten Media Day kicked off Tuesday in Chicago, with all 18 conference teams sending their head coach and select players to meet with the media.
Wednesday was Michigan State’s turn, and Pat Fitzgerald was the second of six coaches to take the podium for his opening statement.
Fitzgerald reiterated several themes he’s been emphasizing since arriving in East Lansing, discussing how incredibly busy the offseason has been while laying the foundation to set Michigan State up for success.
One of the biggest messages from Fitzgerald centered around toughness, something he believes will once again become part of Michigan State’s identity. That process officially begins in just seven days when fall camp gets underway.
Throughout his media session, Fitzgerald repeatedly mentioned how hard it was to believe the season was already here, with practices beginning in just a week. It was clear just how excited he is to finally get this team on the field.
Fitzgerald also spoke highly of the three players representing Michigan State at Big Ten Media Day.
“Jordan Hall is the only senior that’s been in EL for four years. When he decided to stay it was a huge boost for the locker room. Outstanding middle linebacker, loves the game.
QB1 Alessio Milivojevic, unequivocal team leader. Great leader to get to know the guys we’re trying to bring in. Excited for him to lead our team.
Nakai Martinez, team leader, focused, glue guy that keeps the entire program together.”
When Fitzgerald was later asked who had emerged as a surprising vocal leader during the offseason, he quickly responded with Nakai Martinez’s name. He went on to explain just how valuable Martinez has become to the program, once again calling him the glue that holds everything together and highlighting the impact he’s made as a leader.
Of course, one of the most memorable moments of Fitzgerald’s press conference came when he was asked whether he felt like he had a chip on his shoulder after the way his tenure at his alma mater, Northwestern, came to an end following 17 seasons as head coach.
His response was one that Michigan State fans will likely remember for a long time.
“I wouldn’t say I have a chip on my shoulder; I wouldn’t say our program has a chip on its shoulder. I would say we have a bag of chips on our shoulder.”
It was exactly the type of mentality Spartan fans have been hoping to see.
Fitzgerald’s comments showed that this program understands how it’s viewed from the outside—whether that’s by national talking heads, opposing fan bases, or even some Michigan State fans. Reading between the lines, it’s clear he’s building a team that embraces being overlooked while using that perception as motivation.
His message wasn’t about proving one person wrong. It was about creating a culture built on toughness, accountability, and an edge that Michigan State has been searching for.
For a program looking to turn the page and reestablish itself in the Big Ten, Fitzgerald’s first appearance at conference media days couldn’t have sent a much clearer message. The Spartans aren’t interested in outside expectations—they’re embracing them.
If this opening statement is any indication of what’s to come, Spartan Nation should be excited about the direction Fitzgerald is taking the program heading into fall camp.View comments(
