Forrest Behm overcomes a childhood tragedy to become a towering force on the Nebraska offensive line. His journey from a hospital bed to the Rose Bowl is one of the most inspiring tales in college football history. Defying the odds, he anchored the Cornhuskers’ line in 1940 and cemented his legacy as an All-American. Discover the incredible story of a man who refused to let adversity dictate his destiny.
Football Bio
July 31, 1919 – University of Nebraska All-American tackle Forrest Behm, who famously overcame a severe childhood leg injury to play in the Rose Bowl, was born on July 31, 1919.
The National Football Foundation says that Forrest, as a five-year-old youngster, was badly burned in a brush fire. The doctors wanted to amputate his leg, but his father, Forrest E. Behm Sr., refused to allow this to occur.
And the family did all they could for the youth. They sacrificed and waited on him hand and foot, nursed him into health. And for a year, the young Behm could not even walk, but his parents persevered and gave him a daily massage.
And miraculously, Forrest regained the use of all of his muscles in his legs. By 1940, he was a tackle on the Nebraska Rose Bowl team and named All-American by the NEA, the Newspaper Enterprise Association. What a great story that is.
And I’m glad that his parents did not let them take his leg and help them nurse him to good health. Forrest was welcomed into the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1988 induction class.
Forrest Behm demonstrates that resilience and determination can conquer even the most daunting obstacles. He transitions from a childhood defined by physical struggle to a collegiate career marked by dominance and leadership. His eventual induction into the College Football Hall of Fame secures his place as a true Nebraska legend.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988.
- Nebraska Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1980.
- First-Team All-American: Named an All-American by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) in 1940.
- Rose Bowl Participant: Anchored the Nebraska line in the 1941 Rose Bowl against Stanford.
- Big Six Champion: Helped lead the Cornhuskers to the 1940 Big Six title.
- Leadership Excellence: Served as class president, ROTC Cadet Colonel, and an honor student at Nebraska.
- Corporate Leader: Rose to become the president of Corning International Corporation.
