Michigan State guard Foreman appreciates sacrifice of other

McClatchy Newspapers

TAMPA, Fla.

Senior left guard Joel Foreman can appreciate more than most the police escorts the Michigan State football team has received this week as it traveled to and from Tampa Jesuit High and other Outback Bowl-related activities.

Foreman graduated in December with a 3.33 grade-point average in criminal justice.

“I’ve mentioned a couple times I have a great passion for law enforcement,” Foreman said after a recent practice this week . “I’ve been blessed enough to have an internship and make some friends and networking a little bit. We’ll see what I’m going to do. Prayed a lot about it and talked with family.

“My whole family is either a cop or a firefighter. It kind of runs in the family. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s kind of what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s always interested me and really one of the few things that interested me outside of football, as far as career choices. I really like the honor that goes into it, the sacrifice that goes into it and, as cliche as it sounds, make the world just a little bit better.”

Foreman has carried himself with honor during his time as a Spartan and that’s why he was picked as one of the team captains this season. He’s also shown a willingness to sacrifice, in different ways.

He could have become the first player in school history to have 50 starts in a career. Instead, he’ll tie the school record of 49 set last season by linebacker Eric Gordon (2007-2010) when he starts Monday in the Outback Bowl against Georgia.

Foreman (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) had his streak of 22 consecutive starts snapped in the season opener against Youngstown State when he volunteered his spot to cancer survivor Arthur Ray Jr.

He has also sacrificed physically for MSU — nobody really knows what bumps and bruises he may have had this season because he refuses to discuss injuries with the media.

Several times this season, when he seemed to be walking slowly after a game or a practice, he would be asked about a possible injury and would simply smile and say he was fine.

“Personally I’ve had my ups and downs as far as injuries,” Foreman said. “I had my fair share of bruises. It’s something I pride myself on, being able to fight through that stuff and be able to be a reliable player and give 100% of myself on a regular basis.”

Offensive line coach Mark Staten has referred to Foreman as “Yoda” in the past because the Jedi Master from the “Star Wars” movies was old and wise. Yoda used a cane.

“I don’t like to be thought of as a frail, little green guy,” Foreman said. “I’m OK with it, I guess. I’m good. I have a lot of other nicknames.”