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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThanks to these Sponsors of the National Football Foundation – Nebraska Chapter and the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Banquet<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Major —– Nebraska Furniture Mart<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Defense – Cerris Systems<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Defense – Rik Bonness & Teammates <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Your Company to the Sponsor Listing — Contact us Today!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Pictures from 2025 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame Banquet<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text text_orientation=”center” admin_label=”2025 class Text” module_id=”2020″]<\/p>\n The National Football Foundation Nebraska Chapter Announces the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame 2025 Class<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Six Former Huskers Highlight 2025 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Class<\/strong><\/p>\n Six Nebraska football standouts, a state college All-American and two long-time contributors to the Husker football program will be inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame this fall.<\/p>\n For the first time the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will also present a Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Legend Award as part of its annual banquet.<\/p>\n Husker football standouts voted into the Hall of Fame by the chapter\u2019s membership include offensive lineman\u00a0Tom Welter<\/strong>\u00a0(1980s era), I-back\u00a0Derek Brown<\/strong>\u00a0(1990s era), late I-back\u00a0Dahrran Diedrick<\/strong>\u00a0(2000-07 era), place-kicker\/punter\u00a0Brett Maher<\/strong>\u00a0(2008-2015 era) and wide receiver\u00a0Kenny Bell<\/strong>\u00a0(2008-15 era). Linebacker\u00a0Bob Nelson<\/strong>\u00a0was selected by the Hall of Fame board as a veteran inductee, while UNO linebacker\u00a0Tom Sutko<\/strong>\u00a0is this year\u2019s state college representative.<\/p>\n The first Hall of Fame Legend honoree will be 1972 Heisman Trophy winner\u00a0Johnny Rodgers.<\/strong>\u00a0Additionally, Nebraska Deputy AD\/Student Services\u00a0Dennis Leblanc<\/strong>\u00a0will receive the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award and long-time team orthopedic surgeon\u00a0Dr. Robert Dugas<\/strong>\u00a0is the 2025 recipient of the Clarence Swanson Memorial Award.<\/p>\n The 2025 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted at a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 12. The group will be recognized the following day at Memorial Stadium when Nebraska faces Houston Christian.<\/p>\n Nelson was a three-year letterman as a linebacker for Nebraska in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Nelson finished his three-year career at Nebraska with\u00a0189 total tackles, including 73 solos and 116 assists. He had 75 tackles as a senior in 1974 and earned second-team All-Big Eight honors, and also tallied 79 tackles in his junior season. Nelson went on to an 11-year professional career in the NFL from 1975 to 1985 with the Bills, Raiders and 49ers.\u00a0 Nelson was a starting linebacker for the Raiders in their Super Bowl XV and XVIII wins.<\/p>\n A native of Yankton, S.D., Welter was a standout offensive tackle for the Huskers in the mid 1980s. Welter earned third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Eight honors in 1986, helping Nebraska rank second nationally in both rushing and scoring offense en route to a 10-2 season. Welter also distinguished himself in the classroom earning first-team Academic All-America honors during his senior season.<\/p>\n A California native, Derek Brown ranks as one of the top running backs in school history. Brown finished his three-year Husker career with 2,699 yards and 23 touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.\u00a0 With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 1991 and 1992, Brown became just the fifth Husker to accomplish the feat. In 1992, Brown was selected as the Associated Press Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year and earned honorable-mention All-America honors. He went on to play four seasons in the NFL.<\/p>\n Diedrick was a fixture in the Nebraska rushing attack for four seasons, including each of his final two seasons as a starter. He led the Big 12 in rushing as a junior in 2001, churning out 1,299 yards to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors and help Nebraska to the BCS National Championship Game. He played in 48 career games with 24 starts as a Husker, rushing for 2,745 yards and 26 touchdowns. Diedrick played briefly in the NFL, before a nine-year CFL career in his home country. Diedrick passed away in 2023.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Maher was the starting punter and place-kicker during his Husker career. He was a two-time Big Ten Kicker of the Year and in 2011, Maher was both the Big Ten Kicker and Punter of the Year. As a senior in 2012, Maher made 20 field goals to rank second in school history while setting a Nebraska record with 119 points scored by a kicker. Maher also finished his career averaging better than 41.5 yards per punt. Maher played five seasons in the NFL and made better than 80 percent of his field goals, including 34 field goals of 50 yards or more. He currently serves as a special teams assistant for the Huskers.<\/p>\n A Colorado native, Bell was one of the most prolific receivers in Nebraska history. Bell finished his Nebraska career with 181 career receptions for 2,689 yards, setting school records in both categories at the time, and the figures both still rank second in school history. Bell earned All-Big Ten honors three times during his career, including first-team honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a sophomore. Bell\u2019s 49 career starts are among the most in school history.\u00a0 Bell spent four seasons in the NFL following his college career.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Sutko was a standout for the UNO Mavericks from 1978 to 1980. The Omaha native finished his career with 320 tackles to rank in the top 10 in school history. He was a first-team All-America selection in 1980 and a three-time first-team All-North Central Conference selection. A graduate of Omaha Creighton Prep, Sutko\u2019s play helped the Mavericks to 23 victories over his final three seasons.<\/p>\n Leblanc has been a fixture in Husker Athletics over the past four decades. Since he joined the academic staff in 1987, nearly 4,000 Husker student-athletes have earned their degrees and has been among the national leaders in Academic All-Americans and graduation rates. Dugas has been affiliated with Nebraska Football for the majority of the past 35 years as an orthopedic surgeon, serving hundreds of Husker athletes during his time in Lincoln. An All-America player and Academic All-American at LSU, Dugas is a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n The Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will include a Legend honoree in its induction ceremony for the first time this fall. Rodgers was Nebraska\u2019s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1972. The Omaha native was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was selected for the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.<\/p>\n Prior to 2015, players must have been either an All-American or first-team all-conference selection to make the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame ballot. Beginning in 2015, Huskers who earned second-team all-conference honors dating back to the expansion of the Big Eight to the Big 12 (1996) and now the 18-team Big Ten, are eligible. Players are not eligible for the ballot until after a 10-year waiting period from the end of their collegiate careers. Major national award winners earn automatic induction, while active NFL players are not on the ballot.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/photos.google.com\/album\/AF1QipNyAgJLtBYBEAO-L_7Jil3_bDcgHsdwlh5RH7g6″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Pictures from 2024 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame Banquet” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”pictures from 2024 HOF Banquet button” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_color=”#e02b20″ background_color=”#7EBEC5″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”2024 Ne HOF Banquet Text”]<\/p>\n 2024 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Banquet\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”28900,28901,28902,28903,28904,28905″ posts_number=”6″ admin_label=”24 Gallery program”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text text_orientation=”center” admin_label=”2024 class Text” module_id=”2020″]<\/p>\n Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Class<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Seven Husker football standouts and a state college All-American comprise the 2024 class of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame announced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The 2024 inductees were chosen by members of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. The 2024 Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted banquet Sept. 13 in Lincoln and recognized the following evening at the Huskers\u2019 home game against Northern Iowa.<\/p>\n The six former Huskers were selected to the 2024 class include offensive lineman Keven Lightner (1980s category), safety Tyrone Byrd (1990s), linebacker Terrell Farley (1990s), defensive end Chris Kelsay (2000-2007 era), defensive tackle Jared Crick (2008-14 era) and running back Rex Burkhead (2008-14 era).<\/p>\n The Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Board also selected former Husker defensive lineman Monte Johnson from the Legends category. The state college representative in the 2024 class is Mike Miller, an All-America running back at Nebraska-Kearney in the early 2000s.<\/p>\n In addition, the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will present the Clarence E. Swanson Meritorious Service Award to Angie and Dan Muhleisen of Lincoln and the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award to Joe Selig of Lincoln.<\/p>\n Prior to 2015, players must have been either an All-American or first-team all-conference selection to make the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame ballot. Beginning in 2015, Huskers who earned second-team all-conference honors dating back to the expansion of the Big Eight to the Big 12 (1996) and now the 18-team Big Ten, are eligible. Players are not eligible for the ballot until after a 10-year waiting period from the end of their collegiate careers. Major national award winners earn automatic induction, while active NFL players are not on the ballot.<\/p>\n 2024 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Inductees Tyrone Byrd, Safety, 1989-92\u2014A four-year starter in the Husker secondary, Tyrone Byrd was a first-team All-Big Eight selection as a senior in 1992. Byrd started 38 games in his Nebraska career and was part of two Big Eight championship teams. An Arizona native, Byrd had 11 interceptions and ranks fifth on the Nebraska career interceptions list. Byrd finished his career with 209 tackles, including a career-high 71 tackles as a junior. Byrd\u2019s career tackle total was the best for a Husker defensive back at the conclusion of his career, and still ranks among the top five in school history among defensive backs.<\/p>\n Terrell Farley, Linebacker, 1995-96\u2014A play-making defensive standout for the Blackshirts, Terrell Farley earned first-team All-Big Eight honors and was named the Big Eight Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 1995. Farley helped Nebraska to one of the most dominant seasons in college football in 1995 as the Huskers went 12-0 and captured the national championship. Farley had 62 tackles, five sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, three interceptions and three blocked kicks in 1995 and closed the season with two sacks in the Fiesta Bowl win over Florida. He finished his Nebraska career with 105 total tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and eight sacks.<\/p>\n Chris Kelsay, Defensive End, 1999-2002\u2014A two-time All-Big 12 selection, Chris Kelsay was a dominant defensive end during his Husker career. Kelsay had 17 tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior in 2001, helping Huskers to the BCS National Championship game. As a senior, Kelsay had 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks in just nine games. The Auburn, Neb., native finished his career with 33 tackles for loss and 135 total tackles. Kelsay went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, starting 120 games in his career. Chris joins his older brother, Chad, in the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n Jared Crick, Defensive Tackle, 2008-11\u2014A key part of a dominant defense, Jared Crick was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection and two-time second-team All-American during his Husker career. Crick had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2009, recording 73 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks for one of the nation\u2019s top defenses. Crick had a school-record five sacks and seven TFL in a win over Baylor. As a junior, had 70 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, helping Nebraska to a second straight Big 12 North crown. An injury cut Crick\u2019s senior season short, but he finished his career with 20 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. Crick went on to play five seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.<\/p>\n Rex Burkhead, Running Back, 2009-12\u2014One of the top running backs in school history, Rex Burkhead rushed for 3,329 yards and 30 touchdowns in his Nebraska career. Burkhead earned honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore when he rushed for 951 yards. As a junior in 2011, Burkhead was a first-team all-conference pick and honorable-mention All-American while rushing for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. Burkhead battled injuries as a senior but managed to rush for 675 yards and five touchdowns in limited action. Burkhead was also a two-time Academic All-American. Burkhead went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and Houston Texans and was part of two Patriot Super Bowl teams.<\/p>\n Legends Category State College Inductee \n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2023 Ne HOF Banquet Text”]<\/p>\n 2023 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Banquet\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”28848,28845,28844,28843″ posts_number=”4″ admin_label=”23 Gallery program”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/uofnelincoln-my.sharepoint.com\/:f:\/g\/personal\/sbruhn2_unl_edu\/Ek5Y4nrvnERBpGmB-dmzMrsBopyrupOWX5kfVJLejn7zRg?e=4iteAp” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Pictures from 2023 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame Banquet” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”pictures from 2023 HOF Banquet button” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_color=”#e02b20″ background_color=”#7EBEC5″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/uofnelincoln-my.sharepoint.com\/:v:\/g\/personal\/khartman1_unl_edu\/EeST6m_kYwxMhfWqvh9rBAIBwxBRJwTdZM7BrPw6Wc0zCg?e=3mObD8″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Video 2023 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame Banquet” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Video button from 2023 HOF Banquet Button” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_color=”#e02b20″ background_color=”#7EBEC5″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text text_orientation=”center” admin_label=”2023 class Text” module_id=”2020″]<\/p>\n Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Class<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Six Nebraska standouts, a state college representative, and two pioneers from the early 20th century comprise the 2023 class of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The 2023 inductees were chosen by the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame. The 2023 Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted at a Sept. 22 banquet in Lincoln and recognized the following day at the Huskers\u2019 home game against Louisiana Tech.<\/p>\n The six former Huskers were selected to the 2023 class by balloting of the Hall of Fame membership, including defensive tackle\u00a0David Clark<\/b>\u00a0(1980s category), linebacker\u00a0Troy Dumas<\/b>\u00a0(1990s category), punter\u00a0Sam Koch<\/b>\u00a0(2000-06 category), defensive end\u00a0Kyle Vanden Bosch<\/b>\u00a0(2000-06 category), quarterback\u00a0Taylor Martinez<\/b>\u00a0(2007-13 category) and offensive guard\u00a0Spencer Long<\/b>\u00a0(2007-13 category).<\/p>\n The Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Board also selected a pair of former Huskers from the Legends category including head coach\u00a0W.C. \u201cKing\u201d Cole<\/b>\u00a0and quarterback\u00a0Leon G. Warner<\/b>.<\/p>\n The 2023 class of inductees also includes a state college representative in\u00a0Dan Klepper<\/b>, an All-America offensive guard for Nebraska-Omaha in the 1960s.<\/p>\n In addition, the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will present the Clarence E. Swanson Meritorious Service Award to\u00a0Lauritzen Family<\/b>\u00a0of Omaha, and the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award to\u00a0Jim and Sharri Baldanado<\/b>\u00a0of<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prior to 2015, players must have been either an All-American or first-team all-conference selection to make the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame ballot. Beginning in 2015, Huskers who earned second-team all-conference honors dating back to the expansion of the Big Eight to the Big 12 (1996) and now the 14-team Big Ten, are eligible. Players are not eligible for the ballot until after a 10-year waiting period from the end of their collegiate careers. Major national award winners earn automatic induction. Active NFL players are not on the ballot.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2023 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Inductees<\/span><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n David Clark, Defensive Tackle, 1978-80<\/span><\/b>\u2014A three-time letterwinner, Clark had a standout senior season in 1980. The Odessa, Texas, native had 40 tackles including nine for loss as a senior, and also recovered two fumbles. Clark was a first-team All-Big Eight selection as a senior and earned honorable-mention All-America honors.<\/span><\/p>\n Troy Dumas, Linebacker, 1991-94\u2014<\/span><\/b>Dumas was a four-year letterwinner for Coach Tom Osborne, highlighted by an outstanding senior season in 1994. Dumas played his first three seasons in the secondary, before moving to Sam linebacker as a senior when he had 69 tackles, four tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries. Dumas helped Nebraska rank in the top 10 nationally in all four major defensive statistical categories and he earned first-team All-Big Eight honors for his play.<\/span><\/p>\n Sam Koch, Punter, 2003-05\u2014<\/span><\/b>The school record holder for season punting average, Koch was part of a long line of kicking standouts for the Huskers. The Seward native averaged 46.51 yards per punt in 2005 to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors and he was named a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award. Koch averaged better than 44 yards per punt in his career to rank second in Nebraska history. He went on to a 16-year NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kyle Vanden Bosch, Defensive End, 1997-2000\u2014<\/span><\/b>Vanden Bosch played in 50 games in his Nebraska career and totaled more than 140 tackles, including 34 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. In his senior season, Vanden Bosch had 17 tackles for loss and 26 quarterback hurries. Vanden Bosch was a two-time second-team All-Big 12 selection. Off the field, Vanden Bosch was the recipient of the National Football Foundation\u2019s Draddy Trophy, commonly referred to as the academic Heisman.<\/span><\/p>\n Taylor Martinez, Quarterback, 2010-13\u2014<\/span><\/b>A record-setting quarterback, Martinez led Nebraska to more than 30 wins as a starting quarterback during his Husker career. Martinez was a first-team All-Big Ten pick as a junior in 2012, when he set a Nebraska season record with 3,890 yards of total offense and accounted for 33 touchdowns. A two-time team captain, Martinez was a freshman All-American and Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2010. Martinez finished his career with more than 10,000 yards of total offense.<\/span><\/p>\n Spencer Long, Offensive Guard, 2011-13<\/span><\/b>\u2014A three-year starter on the Husker offensive line, Long earned second-team All-America honors as a junior in 2012. With Long manning an offensive guard position, the Huskers ranked among the nation\u2019s top rushing offenses in each of his three seasons as a starter. A team captain as a senior, Long also distinguished himself in the classroom earning first-team Academic All-America honors as a senior.<\/span><\/p>\n State College Inductees<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Dan Klepper, Nebraska-Omaha, Offensive Guard, 1965-68\u2014<\/span><\/b>A four-year letterwinner at Nebraska-Omaha, Klepper was an A<\/span>ll American first team NAIA & AP, <\/span>a two-time All-Conference selection for the Mavericks. \u00a0\u00a0As a junior he earned NAIA honorable mention honors and in 1968 he was named to the Associated Press Little-American team. Klepper was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.<\/span><\/p>\n Legends Category<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Coach W.C. \u201cKing\u201d Cole, 1907-10\u2014<\/span><\/b>Cole led Nebraska to a 25-8-3 record in four seasons from 1907 to 1910. Cole guided the Huskers to their first two conference championships, winning the Missouri Valley Conference in 1907 and 1910.<\/span><\/p>\n Leon G. Warner, Quarterback, 1910-11\u2014<\/span><\/b>Warner guided Nebraska to the 1910 Missouri Valley Conference title as a quarterback. He was recognized as the top quarterback in the Missouri Valley and is often referred to as the school\u2019s first dual-threat quarterback.<\/span><\/p>\n 2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Banquet a Tremendous Evening<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/uofnelincoln-my.sharepoint.com\/:f:\/g\/personal\/sbruhn2_unl_edu\/ElLRarvSwr9ImFtwTy18Bt8BfKylPvm1WP7iH-NerfeGwg?e=XUaRvp” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Pictures from 2022 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”pictures from 2022 HOF Banquet button” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_color=”#e02b20″ background_color=”#7EBEC5″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/uofnelincoln-my.sharepoint.com\/:v:\/g\/personal\/khartman1_unl_edu\/EYmtEz7E5zBKgLgdtoOTfH4Bu9MEQIQ5qGylB8Ejn-MxkA?e=kRbdzc” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Video 2022 NFF Nebraska Hall of Fame Banquet” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Video button from 2022 HOF Banquet Button” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_border_color=”#e02b20″ background_color=”#7EBEC5″][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”Accordion”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Inductees” open=”on” inline_fonts=”Abel,PT Sans Narrow”]<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will present the Clarence E. Swanson Meritorious Service Award to\u00a0<\/span>Marlene Ricketts<\/strong>\u00a0of Omaha, and the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award to long-time athletic department employees\u00a0Dr.\u00a0<\/strong>Lonnie Albers<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/dfn>\u00a0and\u00a0Mike Arthur<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/dfn>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”21 HOF Text”]<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb url=”https:\/\/photos.app.goo.gl\/tfCrhK3DiAiisaNx8″ image=”http:\/\/www.showofficeonline.com\/NFF\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/nff-2021-Hall-of-Fame.jpg” admin_label=”Blurb” custom_margin=”0px||-30px|” custom_padding=”0px||-150px|”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”21 HOF incuctees Accordion”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2021 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Inductees” open=”on” inline_fonts=”Abel,PT Sans Narrow”]<\/p>\n
\nKeven Lightner, Offensive Tackle, 1985-87\u2014A first-team All-Big Eight selection in 1987 and a three-year letterwinner, offensive tackle Keven Lightner helped power one of the nation\u2019s top running games. In Lightner\u2019s senior season in 1987, Nebraska ranked third nationally in rushing offense, second in total offense and third in scoring offense. Lightner continued to make an impact in college football after his playing days serving as an assistant coach at Northern State, UNO, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Ohio and Vanderbilt.<\/p>\n
\nMonte Johnson, Defensive Lineman, 1970-72\u2014Monte Johnson was a standout defender for Nebraska in Bob Devaney\u2019s final three seasons as head coach. Johnson finished his Nebraska career with nearly 80 tackles and was part of back-to-back national championships in 1970 and 1971. Johnson was a second-round selection by the Oakland Raiders as a linebacker. He started 69 games over his eight-year career, had 10 career interceptions and was part of the Raiders\u2019 Super Bowl XI and XV winning teams.<\/p>\n
\nMike Miller, Nebraska-Kearney, Running Back, 2000-03\u2014A Harlon Hill Trophy finalist as the top player in Division II, Mike Miller completed his college career as the all-time leading rusher at Nebraska-Kearney. Miller ran for 4,818 yards in his four-year career for the Lopers, including 1,600 yards in 2002 and finished his career with nearly 5,500 all-purpose yards. Miller was a third-team All-American in 2002, when he helped the Lopers to a Rocky Mountain Conference championship. He was also a three-time first-team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference selection during his career.<\/p>\nRon McDole, Tackle, 1958-60<\/span><\/strong>\u2014A three-year letterwinner as a tackle, Ron McDole served as a team captain in 1960. McDole went on to play 18 professional seasons with the Cardinals, Oilers, Bills and Redskins.\u00a0 He was a five-time first-team All-AFL selection and played in 240 career games. He was selected from the Legends category.\u00a0<\/span>
Lee Kunz, Linebacker, 1976-78\u2014<\/span><\/strong>Linebacker Lee Kunz led Nebraska in tackles in both 1977 and 1978 and earned second-team All-Big Eight and honorable-mention All-America honors in 1978. Kunz still holds the school record with 95 assisted tackles in 1977 and ranks sixth at Nebraska with 276 career tackles. He was selected from the Legends category.<\/span>
Ric Lindquist, Defensive Back, 1979-81\u2014<\/span><\/strong>A three-year letterwinner in the secondary, Lindquist was an All-Big Eight choice as a senior cornerback, leading a Blackshirt secondary that led the nation in pass defense. Lindquist finished his career with nine interceptions, 11 breakups and nearly 100 tackles, and he was also a first-team Academic All-American in 1981.<\/span>
Bruce Pickens, Cornerback, 1988-90\u2014<\/span><\/strong>A two-time first-team All-Big Eight selection, Bruce Pickens helped Nebraska to a Big Eight Championship and appearances in the Orange, Fiesta and Citrus Bowls. Pickens had four interceptions, 13 breakups and 84 tackles in his career. He was the No. 4 overall selection in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.<\/span>
Toniu Fonoti, Offensive Guard, 1999-2001\u2014<\/span><\/strong>Toniu Fonoti was a dominant offensive lineman helping Nebraska to a pair of NCAA rushing titles in 2000 and 2001. Fonoti was a first-team All-America selection and Outland finalist in 2001 when the Huskers reached the BCS National Championship game. Fonoti recorded a school-record 379 pancakes and did not allow a sack or receive a penalty in 2001. He went on to play five seasons in the NFL.<\/span>
Prince Amukamara, 2007-10<\/span><\/strong>\u2014A first-team All-American and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, Prince Amukamara was part of dominant defenses his final two seasons. Amukamara played in 49 games with 31 starts in his career and finished with 181 career tackles, 27 pass breakups and five interceptions. A two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, Amukamara was a finalist for the Thorpe Award as a senior. A first-round draft pick, Amukamara made 99 career starts in nine NFL seasons.<\/span>
State College Inductees<\/span><\/strong>
Coach Darrell Morris, Nebraska-Kearney, 2000-14\u2014<\/span><\/strong>Darrell Morris served as the head coach at Nebraska-Kearney for 15 seasons from 2000 to 2014. Morris posted a 101-63 career record with the Lopers and guided UNK to four Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships and four NCAA Division II playoff berths. His 2009 team posted a school-best 11-2 record.<\/span>
Ross Wurdeman, Concordia, Tight End, 1998-2001\u2014<\/span><\/strong>Arguably the top tight end in Concordia program history, Ross Wurdeman owned many of the program’s receiving records at the completion of his career. A two-time NAIA All-American Wurdeman was named to the NAIA All-Decade team of the 2000s. He finished his career with 168 catches, 2,458 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n2021 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Class<\/strong><\/h1>\n
John Adkins (Nebraska)<\/span><\/strong> – A three-year letter winner as a defensive end, John Adkins helped the Huskers to two national<\/span><\/b><\/h4>\n
championships in 1970 and 1971. He earned honorable-mention All-Big Eight recognition in 1971 after making 41 tackles,<\/span><\/h4>\n
including 10 tackles for loss. Adkins earned a starting position during his junior year, when he notched 36 tackles, including 19<\/span><\/h4>\n
unassisted and six tackles for a loss. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Adkins was also named a CoSIDA Academic All-American<\/span><\/h4>\n
in 1970. Adkins went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1979. Dr. John Adkins, MD, has spent<\/span><\/h4>\n
more than 40 years serving as an emergency medicine physician in the Baltimore area.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Jerry List (Nebraska)<\/span> – <\/b>Jerry List was one of the Big Eight\u2019s top tight ends for three straight years, earning honorable-mention<\/span><\/h4>\n
all-conference recognition in 1971. List finished his Husker career with 67 receptions, topping 20 catches each season from 1970<\/span><\/h4>\n
to 1972. The Bay City, Michigan, native had 912 career receiving yards and five touchdowns. During his time at Nebraska, List<\/span><\/h4>\n
helped the Huskers to national championships in 1970 and 1971. List was chosen in the 11th round of the 1973 NFL draft by<\/span><\/h4>\n
the Oakland Raiders. He passed away in 1993.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Doug Dumler (Nebraska) <\/strong><\/span>– <\/b>A three-year starter at center for the Huskers, Doug Dumler was a major player in Nebraska\u2019s back-toback<\/span><\/h4>\n
national titles in 1970 and 1971. A quick and strong lineman out of Melrose Park, Illinois, Dumler earned second-team All-Big<\/span><\/h4>\n
Eight honors for his success anchoring a powerful offensive line. A captain his senior year, Dumler was a leader in the classroom<\/span><\/h4>\n
as an Academic All-Big Eight selection. Dumler was drafted in the spring of 1973 by the Patriots. He spent three years in the NFL<\/span><\/h4>\n
with New England before playing two more seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring from the sport. He earned his<\/span><\/h4>\n
bachelor\u2019s degree in business administration from Nebraska in 1973. He earned his law degree in 1979 and is currently an attorney<\/span><\/h4>\n
at Swanson & Dumler, P.C., in Fort Collins, Colorado.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Bill Janssen (Nebraska)<\/span><\/strong><\/span> – <\/b>Bill Janssen was a versatile player for the Huskers, competing as a defensive end, offensive guard, center<\/span><\/h4>\n
and defensive tackle during his career. A 1972 team captain, Janssen was a second-team All-Big Eight pick when he made 48<\/span><\/h4>\n
tackles and had eight tackles for loss. The Grand Forks, North Dakota, native worked his way back from a broken arm suffered<\/span><\/h4>\n
as a sophomore to earn a starting position for the 1971 Husker squad that went on to win the national championship. Janssen<\/span><\/h4>\n
also made an impact in the classroom by earning Academic All-Big Eight honors.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Dave Mason (Nebraska)<\/span><\/strong> – An outstanding defensive back for the Huskers from 1969 to 1972, Dave Mason earned second-team All-Big<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Eight honors as a senior monster back in 1972. Mason made his mark on the 1971 national title run, returning three interceptions<\/span><\/h4>\n
for touchdowns and earning honorable-mention All-Big Eight accolades. He was a leader as a pass defender, recording a teamhigh<\/span><\/h4>\n
six interceptions in 1971. He was also a two-time Academic All-Big Eight selection. Mason, who came to Nebraska from<\/span><\/h4>\n
Green Bay, Wisconsin, went on to play for the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Mason returned to<\/span><\/h4>\n
Green Bay following his football career and entered dental school at the age of 34. He has spent more than 30 years as a dentist<\/span><\/h4>\n
in the Green Bay area.<\/span><\/h4>\n
Keith Wortman (Nebraska)<\/span> <\/b>– A standout standout offensive lineman on Nebraska\u2019s back-to-back national championship teams<\/span><\/h4>\n
(1970-71), Keith Wortman never lost a game during his two years at NU after transferring from Rio Hondo Community College.<\/span><\/h4>\n
The Whittier, California, native earned honorable-mention All-Big Eight recognition in 1971, when NU averaged more than 39<\/span><\/h4>\n