As part of two National Championship squads in 1970 and '71, Johnny Rodgers had
a lot going for him after that 1971 season. He had contributed to Nebraska's
awesome 11-0-1 and 13-0 records and in the magical '71 season, tallied 1932
yards and 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Rodgers was electric, a threat to
score every time he touched the ball. He ran, he caught, he returned kicks and
punts, he did it all and going into his senior year, many wondered if he could
once again be the scoring machine to lead the Huskers. He did, and he did it
from all ends of the field. His career totals marked 130 rushing attempts and 11
touchdowns. As a receiver, 143 career receptions resulting in 26 touchdowns. As
a punt returner, his 98 fielded punts led to 7 touchdowns and he averaged 15.5
yards per return. Eleven percent of his touches resulted in six points. In his
final collegiate appearance, he gave Notre Dame fits in the Orange Bowl as the
Huskers 40-6 victory included his four touchdowns. Oh yes, he threw for yet
another! He was awarded the 1972 Heisman Trophy over Oklahoma's Greg Pruitt
without setting any one NCAA record because he literally changed the way the
field had to be defended when he stepped onto it. This 5'10", 180 pound fireball
was the number one draft choice of the San Diego Chargers but opted to play in
Canada, returning to the Chargers only for limited appearances in the 1977 and
1978 seasons. Rodgers remains one of the all time Nebraska greats and one of
college football's all time most exciting players.
If interested in any of these NU helmets please click on the
photos below.
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