FOREWORD

The game of football, in so many ways, teaches us about life: the discipline, the precision, the inches won and lost, the euphoria of a big win, and the disappointment of any loss. It speaks to us about the word team, the creativity in schemes and techniques that are taught and needed to be successful in the three basic areas of offense, defense, and special teams. Passion, hard work, encouragement, mental and physical training, organization, confidence, endurance, excitement, adversity, and injury all leave an undeniable mark on those who have played or coached on the many levels of this great game.

In his book, Dr. David Kaufman takes us behind the scenes and into the world of major college football at the highest level. Focusing on the 2010 season and later the 100th Rose Bowl in 2014, Doc gives his readers an in-depth look at Michigan State football initially from the eyes of a spectator and later as a member of our medical staff. In a newly formed position as a neurologist, Dr. Kaufman was tasked with evaluating concussion protocol in 2010. Now in his thirteenth year, David has long since been a staple within the inner circle at MSU Football.

His accounts and experiences move from the seriousness of a life-saving evaluation and hands-on treatment of an acute game-day injury to his sometimes funny and self-deprecating sense of humor. In between, the very fabric of the program and the game itself is detailed and documented through the many trials and tribulations that occurred that season.

I have always maintained that there are five major points of emphasis that must be adhered to in order to be successful in any program, athletic or otherwise. First, you must develop sincere and meaningful relationships. They must be built on a sense of commitment, communication, and trust with one another. Entering the 2010 season as a new face, the author soon established himself as a person who truly cared about our team, staff, and coaches. He didn’t push. He let us pull him into our circle and was deeply appreciated.

Second, you must strive to learn, educate, and evaluate yourself in a constant manner. Concussion protocol, CTE, and the many variances of it were new and often misunderstood traumatic injuries that were bursting onto the scene in 2009–2010. David gave us all a sense of understanding and calm, an esteemed specialist in that area of injury.

Third, you must win. Winning was all around us in 2010, as we were 11–1 and co-champions in the Big Ten Conference. Winning, however, comes to us in many forms. His work with our players—and one player in particular—was instrumental in our long-term success.

Fourth, you must look to improve each other’s lives; as I say, “Be a Light.” Check box number four, as Doc was kind, appreciative, generous, and oftentimes quite funny.

Finally, you must work. Few people understand the time, dedication, and pressure that our medical staff deals with daily to be a part of Michigan State football.

In conclusion, Dr. Kaufman’s book brings these five elements for success to life for his readers. It will bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and it will firmly set your feet in stone and demonstrate the camaraderie, focus, determination, and grit that has always been at the heart of Michigan State football. It is a must read for all Spartans.

Go Green!

Mark Dantonio

Head Coach (2007–2020)

Michigan State University