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Michigan State receives significant gift from Trae and Kyra Waynes
By Keith Farner
Published:
Trae Waynes, a former Michigan State star who popularized the term “No Fly Zone,” and had a 7-year NFL career, has made a significant gift to the Spartans.
Waynes, a two-year starter at cornerback at Michigan State, a first-round selection (No. 11 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 Draft, and his wife Kyra have pledged $500,000 to the Tom Izzo Football Building, the new 65,000-square-foot addition to the Skandalaris Football Center and Duffy Daugherty Football Building.
This state-of-the-art facility boasts an expanded weight room, a sports science area, multiple nutrition stations, rest and recovery areas, and an enhanced social experience with a new player locker room and lounge.
“Their gift mirrors their approach to life and their values of being family-oriented, forward-thinking, and giving selflessly for the benefit of others. We thank them for enhancing the experience for all Spartan student-athletes while continuing the strong tradition of former athletes giving back to Michigan State and paying it forward for those following in their footprints,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller said in a statement.
Added Trae Waynes, “A big part of who I am today is because of Michigan State University, so having the opportunity to give back and make my own mark on this facility was an easy decision. The people of MSU who have supported me have left quite an impact, so I’m happy to be able to show support in some way to the current and future players and staff coming through this university.”
Keith Farner has written about college football for newspapers and web sites since 2005.