TORONTO — Tributes continue to pour in for Calgary Stampeders defensive back Mylan Hicks whose life was taken in act of violence early on Sunday morning.

In a very special edition of ‘The Waggle’ Podcast, host James Cybulski chats with Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio who spent five years coaching Hicks in NCAA. Dantonio reflects on Hicks the person and the player as well as how news of his passing has affected the Spartans.

“This has rocked our Spartan community,” Dantonio told Cybulski. “Every time you saw Mylan he put a little bit of light into people’s lives. He was a very giving person.

“He and I had many talks, as you do with any player over a period of five years. He was very excited about playing for the Stampeders … very excited about that.”

You can listen to the entire interview below:



Before Hicks turned pro, he played four seasons (2011-14) at Michigan State. Despite missing four games with an arm injury in 2014, he set a career high with 19 tackles and also had four pass breakups. He was the Spartans defence’s recipient of the Biggie Munn Award for being the most inspirational player.

His alma mater paid tribute to the former Spartan and with a powerful graphic from his playing days and a tweet from head coach Mark Dantonio.

Our thoughts and prayers are with The Mylan Hicks family, as well as his extended Spartan Family, as we learn of this tragic loss. #RIP6 — Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) September 25, 2016