Johnny Rodgers Star Corn Husker Wide...

July 5, 1951 - Omaha, Nebraska - Johnny Rodgers, who was listed as the University of Nebraska’s wingback from 1970 to 1972, was born.

The FootballFoundation.org states that in three years as a wingback in Bob Devaney's offense, Nebraska won three Big Eight Conference titles and was national champion in 1970 and 1971. Rodgers was a three-time all-conference selection, a consensus All-American in 1971, and a unanimous All-American in 1972. After that magical 1972 season, Johnny took home the Heisman Trophy and was named Player of the Year by the Associated Press. In his career, he carried the ball 130 times and averaged 5.7 yards a try. He caught 143 passes and averaged a gain of 17.3 yards. He had 133 kick returns and averaged 17.8. When the stats are combined into a category called all-purpose running, they show 406 plays and an average of 13.8, a record. He had a jittery, swirling running style.

In 1971, Nebraska and Oklahoma met in a duel of teams ranked 1 and 2. Oklahoma led 31-28 late in the game. Rodgers made a 72-yard punt return. And Nebraska won 35-31. Johnny Rodgers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

After graduation, Rodgers played four seasons in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes and then a few more years with the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.