Lansing Sun

The 1965 and 1966 Michigan State football teams are among the 2024 inductees of the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame. These teams become the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining individual athletes such as Jessica (Beech) Bograkos (softball), Anson Carter (ice hockey), Darqueze Dennard (football), Beth (Rohl) Saylors (women's track & field), Laura (Kueny) Smith (women's golf), and Paul Terek (men's track & field).

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, with a special recognition during the Michigan State-Prairie View A&M football game at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The MSU Athletics Hall of Fame is located in the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center and opened on Oct. 1, 1999. It displays plaques of its previous inductees, starting with a charter class in 1992.

Nearly six decades later, the impact of the 1965 and 1966 Michigan State Football teams remains significant. Under head coach Duffy Daugherty, these teams won both National and Big Ten Conference Championships and were notable for their racially integrated rosters.

Daugherty was one of the first college football coaches to include many Black players from southern states on his team, influencing college athletics nationwide. The 1967 NFL Draft saw four Michigan State players selected in the top eight picks—all Black athletes.

Clinton Jones reflected on Daugherty’s pioneering efforts: "What was accomplished here at Michigan State with the 1965 and '66 teams was equivalent to Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, or any other paradigm shift that's happened in civil rights movement."

Ernie Pasteur expressed gratitude towards those who facilitated their induction: "On behalf of the team... we are forever grateful for that honor," acknowledging Alan Haller and others involved in recognizing their achievements.

Jimmy Raye shared his pride: "I'm thrilled and excited about... being inducted together because it was a unified team effort."

The two seasons saw a combined record of 19-1-1 for these teams, including a notable tie against Notre Dame referred to as "The Game of the Century." This game had a global audience due to its broadcast reach.

Players recruited by Daugherty came from diverse backgrounds across various states. Their collective success extended beyond athletics into academics with numerous accolades earned during their tenure.

Reflecting on their journey and impact, Jones noted: "It's an inconspicuous benefit to be part of making history... We came together to make it happen."

Jones emphasized teamwork as central to their success: "Everyone from President Hannah to Ken Earley... worked together for our team to succeed."

Memories such as bus rides before crucial games fostered strong bonds within the team that contributed significantly towards achieving historic milestones under Coach Duffy Daugherty’s leadership.

With this induction into MSU Athletics Hall Of Fame comes recognition not only for athletic excellence but also contributions towards societal progress through sportsmanship exemplified by these trailblazing Spartan football teams.