By Darin In the storied history of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, few names command as much respect as Rich Glover. On February 6, 1950, a defensive powerhouse was born—a man who would eventually become the immovable object at the heart of the “Game of the Century” and a cornerstone of the Huskers’ golden era.
A Legacy of Dominance
Rich Glover wasn’t just a nose guard; he was a tactical nightmare for opposing offenses. Standing as the anchor of Bob Devaney’s defensive line, Glover’s quickness and strength were unparalleled. His impact peaked in the early 1970s, playing a pivotal role in securing back-to-back National Championships in 1970 and 1971.
His 1972 season remains one of the most decorated individual campaigns in college football history. Glover achieved a rare “double” by winning both the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) and the Lombardi Award (best lineman or linebacker). His performance in the 1971 “Game of the Century” against Oklahoma—where he recorded an astounding 22 tackles—is still spoken of in hushed, reverent tones across Lincoln.
Hall of Fame Greatness
The accolades didn’t stop at the collegiate level. After a stint in the NFL, Glover’s contributions to the sport were immortalized in 1995 when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. To this day, his Jersey No. 79 remains one of the few retired numbers in Nebraska history, symbolizing a level of excellence that every young Husker aspires to reach.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the birthday of this Big Red icon, we remember Rich Glover not just for the trophies, but for the grit and leadership he brought to the turf. He remains the gold standard for defensive line play and a true legend of the gridiron.
