“𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭, 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐳𝐳𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭”

In a moving open letter, legendary Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has shared a message of deep gratitude. He writes to thank his players, the fans, and the entire MSU community for their love, support, and belief in him throughout his career.

This letter is more than just a thank-you. It’s a celebration of a journey—one built on trust, teamwork, and Spartan pride.

A Message to His Players

Coach Izzo begins by speaking to his players. He thanks them for their hard work, their heart, and their belief in his vision. He writes about the pride he feels in each of them—for how they played, how they carried themselves, and how they helped shape the MSU basketball program into what it is today.

A Salute to the Fans

He then turns to the fans. Izzo calls them the backbone of Spartan basketball. He talks about their energy in the arena, their loyalty through every win and loss, and the way they always showed up, no matter the season.

“You’ve always been there for us,” he says. “That means everything.”

Gratitude to the MSU Community

The letter also thanks the wider MSU family—students, alumni, staff, and fellow coaches. Izzo says Michigan State gave him more than a career. It gave him a home. A place to grow. A place to lead. A place to belong.

“This university didn’t just support me—it shaped me,” he writes. “And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”

A Legacy of Loyalty

Tom Izzo’s letter is honest, emotional, and heartfelt. It’s a rare moment of reflection from one of the most respected coaches in college sports.

For Spartans everywhere, this is more than just words on a page. It’s a reminder of what makes Michigan State special: the people, the pride, and the lifelong connection.