The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1540586
NOVEMBER 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 61 ❱ IN MEMORIAM now it's turned into a lifestyle. It was my life. "When [Schmidt] had to break the news to me, it was hard to accept. I just stormed out of the office. I remember hitting the Gatorade jug with all the ice in it, and I went into the locker room and broke down and cried." Football had been his life, and now he had to find a way to start over. However, what could have broken most people instead became the turning point that would define the next act of his life. Combs was just starting to come into his own as a player at the time of the injury, but then he was dealt a major plot twist and had to pivot. His injury forced a total mindset change, and he decided to stay at the university to finish his degree. Earning that diploma was something that no in- jury could take away from him. Combs graduated from U-M in 2005 from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts with a bachelor's degree in general studies, according to his LinkedIn pro- file. With football behind him, Combs jumped eagerly into his professional ca- reer in the auto industry. His work experiences included a five- year stint at United States Steel Cor- poration from 2008-13 as a production supervisor. From there, he held the same title for four years at Fiat Chrysler Auto- mobiles. Combs then moved into a role at Ford Motor Company as a process coach, a role he held from June 2017 until he passed. Combs was also involved with Detroit-based CE Stars, a 7-on-7 foot- ball club, as a coach and mentor with the program. Combs' life perspective shaped the years that followed his time as a U-M football player. "I took away that life is a beautiful thing," Combs told Maize n Brew. "That's what is so great about life. You have this plan, but you might not necessarily fol- low the plan all the way through. When life throws curveballs at you, how are you going to react?" "At the end of the day, life is about whatever your personal goals are in life outside of sports. Having a family, hav- ing kids, things like that. Teaching those kids lessons you didn't necessarily learn at my age." A public visitation and celebration of life was held for Combs on Oct. 20-21 at Abundance Life Ministries Church in Ypsilanti, Mich. For those who knew Combs, his story wasn't about what was lost on that October afternoon in 2002. Rather, his journey serves as a reminder that while football gave him a start, it was his heart and resilience that left the lasting mark. ❑ ❱ The Zia Combs Files Michigan Accomplishments: Football defensive back (2000-02) … College of LSA Class of 2005 graduate Professional Accomplishments: Pro- duction supervisor, United States Steel Corporation (2008-13) … Production supervisor, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (2013-17) … Process coach, Ford Motor Company (2017-25) He Said It: "When Coach Carr came over, he made me feel comfortable. He gave me a sense of security. You can't really explain it unless you've been through it. When Lloyd gives you a look or says a certain word to you, you be- lieve more." — Combs on former foot- ball head coach Lloyd Carr comforting him after his injury CALL: 800-421-7751 10:00-4:00 ET, Mon.-Fri. Or call 919-688-0218 if outside the continental U.S. Mailing a check? Please call for details. ORDER ONLINE: www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Scan this QR Code to start your order! Order 24 hours a day from our online store! Written by the staff of The Wolverine, this commemorative magazine celebrates Michigan's remarkable 2023 season and its 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run. It includes: ❱ Features on Jim Harbaugh, Blake Corum, J.J. McCarthy, Mike Sainristil, the defensive line and the journey to the title ❱ Great photography ❱ Game-by-game coverage ❱ Columns, stats and much more! ❱ 148 full-color, glossy pages Only $10.00 each Save Even More On Bulk Orders! (Sales tax where applicable) Limited Edition. While supplies last! The hardbound books are sold out! Don't miss out on your last chance to own this piece of Michigan history!. 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPS! S P E C I A L C O M M E M O R A T I V E E D I T I O N P r e s e n t s T H E W O L V E R I N E M A G A Z I N E MAKES A GREAT GIFT! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST