Former Spartan OL Gordie Niebylski Still Making the Right Calls

 EAST LANSING, Michigan — Gordon Niebylski demonstrated true character during his time at Michigan State. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he was truly a big man

 

Working hard on and off the field has never been an issue for Niebylski. Photo courtesy of MSU SID

EAST LANSING, Michigan — Gordon Niebylski demonstrated true character during his time at Michigan State. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he was truly a big man — with an even bigger heart.

During John L. Smith’s tenure, Niebylski took the time out of a busy practice session to brighten the day of a young man with special needs, and the child’s parent recently sent an email to Spartan Nation Radio to express their gratitude for Niebylski’s inspirational advice.

“He told my son ‘You may be in a wheelchair, but don’t let it handicap your life,’” the parent wrote. “Gordie, you meant the world to our family. Our son is doing well — he’s in college now — but I wanted to thank you.”

The robust Niebylski was humbled by the comment.

“That’s really great to hear,” said the former Spartan offensive lineman.  Niebylski didn’t pat himself on the back for his effort, he simply said “That’s one of the things I took pride in at Michigan State … It really touches my heart to hear that.”

The former Birmingham Brother Rice standout was heavily recruited by Division I schools once he reached age 16, and was the 82nd-ranked recruit by Super Preps in 2000. His father played baseball at Notre Dame, and Niebylski’s allegiance belonged to the Fighting Irish throughout his childhood.

It would have only made sense for him to wear the golden helmet in South Bend.

“I grew up a huge Notre Dame fan,” Niebylski said. “I had seven jerseys that I’d wear — one every day of the week.”

But during his college-courtship process, Nybelski’s perception of Notre Dame changed.

“I didn’t have the same feelings about Notre Dame at that point,” he said. Once he arrived in East Lansing, Niebylski said “I always wanted to beat them more.”

Michigan State football underwent a drastic transformation during Niebylski’s time, which started in 2001. John L. Smith took over for Bobby Williams, who was Nick Saban’s successor, and the program was in a state of uncertainty.

Mark Dantonio has been successful in restoring the Spartans’ reputation. No longer a Big Ten doormat, Michigan State has been picked to compete for a conference title under the fourth-year coach.

The Spartans’ confidence is evident, and arguably at its highest level since George Perles’ reign.

Niebylski approved of Dantonio’s methods, and is encouraged by the team’s direction. But it was a strenuous, tumultuous time during the makeover, and Niebylski said his steady demeanor and leadership qualities helped him weather the storm.

“Oh definitely,” he said.  “The one thing that you always wish when you go in there, is that you only have to play for one coach, and he’s there for 30 years after you leave. I loved both Bobby (Williams) and John L (Smith) when they were with us, but at the same time I can understand the decisions that (Michigan State) made. I think Dantonio’s done a phenomenal job with the program so far.”

Admittedly “living the good life,” Niebylski is employed by Shell Oil Corporation, and resides in the San Francisco Bay area. He was a fixture on the Big Ten's All-Academic team, earned an undergraduate degree in Industrial Supply Chain Management, and an MBA in Industrial Relations.

He is enjoying his recent promotion to Procurement Manager, and the executive finds himself glued to his television watching Spartan football —but not from an onlooker’s perspective.

While Niebylski’s friends watch as fans, he's busy analyzing.

“I would sit there, watching plays looking to see ‘OK, where is Roland Martin going on this?’” he laughed. “I was watching like I was actually a coach.”

Like many before him, Niebylski’s time as a Spartan is something he will cherish throughout his life, no matter where his career takes him.

“I live and die with Michigan State,” he said proudly. “It’s always going to be my team. I’m happy to see that they’re having success … I love the recruiting classes, and I think there is a very bright future ahead.”