Pat Fitzgerald's New Michigan State Tradition Begins with Kenny Soares Jr. Wearing No. 1

Tradition is often associated with holidays and family gatherings, but the word carries a much deeper meaning than that.

Traditions create bonds between generations. They connect the past with the present and give people something to carry forward. Sometimes they're overlooked, and other times they're held to an incredibly high standard.

At Michigan State, Pat Fitzgerald is hoping to create exactly that.

One of the first-year head coach's newest additions to the Spartan football program isn't a new playbook or a new slogan—it's a tradition. Fitzgerald has introduced the No. 1 jersey, a distinction that isn't awarded to the flashiest player or the biggest star, but to the teammate the entire locker room trusts the most.

Rather than allowing a player to simply choose the number, Fitzgerald put the decision in the hands of the team.

From the newest freshman to the oldest veteran, every player had a voice in deciding who best represents what Michigan State football should look like. The No. 1 jersey is meant to symbolize leadership, accountability and the player everyone can lean on when adversity strikes.

For the first time in Michigan State history, that honor belongs to transfer linebacker Kenny Soares Jr.

It didn't take long for Soares to make an impression after arriving in East Lansing.

The former NC State linebacker appeared in all 13 games last season, including the final eight at middle linebacker. Before that, he played under Fitzgerald at Northwestern, making this reunion one that already appears to be paying dividends for both coach and player.

The announcement itself was a memorable one.

Standing in front of the team, Fitzgerald revealed just how respected the locker room's leaders are.

"We had eight guys receive votes for this. Eight guys. That's the most I've ever seen that happen. But one guy got the most votes."

The video then shifted to a locker filled with Spartan jerseys before the No. 1 jersey was carefully pulled from the back, almost as if it were something waiting for the right player to claim it.

It was then brought to a sewing machine, where every stitch highlighted the attention to detail that goes into creating something meant to stand for much more than a number.

The screen faded to black.

Moments later, a spotlight illuminated the back of the jersey.

SOARES JR.

Above the name sat the newly introduced No. 1.

The meeting room erupted as teammates celebrated the player they believed best represented Fitzgerald's vision for the program.

Considering Soares has only been with Michigan State for a matter of months, the moment carried even more significance. Earning the respect of an entirely new locker room in such a short period of time speaks volumes about the leadership qualities he has already displayed.

It also says plenty about the culture Fitzgerald is working to build.

Leadership isn't determined by how long someone has worn green and white. It's earned through consistency, work ethic and the respect of your teammates.

Now, Soares will look to pair that leadership with production on the field.

After recording a career-high mark in tackles for loss last season, he'll be expected to anchor Michigan State's defense while serving as the standard-bearer for Fitzgerald's newest tradition.

The No. 1 jersey is new to Michigan State, but Fitzgerald hopes its meaning will become a lasting part of the program's identity.

Every tradition has to begin somewhere.

For the Spartans, it begins with Kenny Soares Jr.