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WATCH: ESPN’s Dan Dakich, MSU’s Tom Izzo share emotional, impactful messages on Tyler Trent
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Tuesday night was an emotional one for those close to Tyler Trent and the Purdue community. The Boilermaker superfan and honorary team captain was laid to rest after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Trent’s story inspired millions of people across the country. The way he battled cancer with uplifting and incredible spirit was a display of his bravery, strength and attitude.
He made such an impact that Purdue’s entire football team attended Tuesday night’s services. So did ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Scott Van Pelt and Kirk Herbstreit. And though Purdue’s basketball team played a game at Michigan State that night, Trent was still on everyone’s mind.
During the game, ESPN college basketball analyst Dan Dakich shared an emotional message about Trent and the impact he made across the country. Dakich had Trent on his local radio show in Indianapolis and even traveled to the home of the 20-year-old to host a show.
Dakich got choked up while talking about Trent and his family:
For Tyler. 👏@MSU_Basketball's @ThisistheIZZONE prepared a special tribute to Tyler Trent, @dandakich delivered a heartfelt message and @MollyAMcGrath got Matt Painter's thoughts on the banner.
Well done by everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/y4StvRh8N8
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 9, 2019
After the game, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo also talked about Trent and the impact he made across the country.
Izzo purchased 24 T-shirts that were worn in honor of Trent. The black T-shirt read #TYLERSTRONG, had a gold ribbon and also Trent’s favorite bible verse on the shirt. The Michigan State leader purchased one for every member of the team.
After Tuesday’s game, Izzo explained why he made the purchase:
Tom Izzo ordered Tyler Trent tribute shirts for his entire @MSU_Basketball team, and the Spartans head coach offered condolences on Tuesday night after Tyler was honored at Breslin Center. pic.twitter.com/1exGfNtDNA
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 9, 2019
Michigan State fans also created a Tyler Strong banner, which was held up during the game.
In the last months of his life, Trent promoted cancer research and joined the fight with ESPN through the V Foundation. A bobblehead doll and biography were also sold to help raise money for cancer research.
Trent will always have a place in the hearts of the Purdue community as his story and attitude reached so many.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB