In honor of Canada Day on Friday, it’s a good time to look back at how important Canada has been to Michigan State football.
Whether it’s Canadian born players who have been among the most important to ever play at MSU or current MSU players contributing for teams in the Canadian Football League, the land north of the U.S. border has had a significant historical place in MSU football.
Canadian-born standouts
Tony Mandarich, Offensive lineman – Born in Oakville, Ontario, Mandarich was the linchpin up front for MSU’s Big 10 and Rose Bowl championship team during the 1987 season, was a consensus All-American in 1988 and was thought to be one of the top offensive linemen prospects ever when he was taken No.