The Red Life with Todd Peterson

By Keith Zimmer

Nebraska Associate A.D. for External Operations

 

Nebraska's Todd Peterson was never afraid to Dream Big. 

 

A standout multi-sport athlete for Grand Island Central Catholic High School, Peterson grew up like many young boys idolizing and emulating the Huskers.  But the junior wide receiver is no longer pretending. He is contributing in a big way for the Big Red both on and off the field.   

 

“I would listen to the games on the radio, get my football out and pretend to be playing for Nebraska.”  Peterson said. “Many felt I wasn't fast enough to earn a college scholarship thus to be invited by Coach (Bill) Callahan and his staff to walk-on was a huge honor.” 

 

Peterson had drawn interest from Iowa, Iowa State, University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of Nebraska-Kearney, but he chose to walk-on on Nebraska.

 

“Ultimately, I didn't want to look back and have regrets wondering if I could've played at Nebraska," Peterson said. " I was also intrigued by Coach Callahan's West Coast Offense and as a receiver felt like I could emerge.”

 

Peterson was rewarded with an athletic scholarship by Coach Bill Callahan prior to the 2006 season.

 

Peterson has more than emerged, and before the 2006 season he was rewarded with an athletic scholarship from Coach Callahan. He is indeed living a dream, and he has come a long way since attending his first Husker game as a 4th grader with his brother when Nebraska played Kansas. 

 

Todd is the youngest of five children, with two older brothers and two older sisters.  All of the Peterson children competed in athletics and have done well in school.  Todd's oldest brother, Tyler, excelled in baseball at Nebraska Wesleyan and is now an accountant in Lincoln.  Siblings Tori and Tiffany both graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center this past May.  Tori is working as a pharmacist at Children's Hospital in Denver and Tiffany is working as a resident at Georgetown while living with her husband in Washington, D.C.

 

Todd said he is following the academic example set by his older siblings. 

 

“I was a 4.0 student in high school, and in college I'm trying to be the most complete individual possible," Peterson said. "I know I won't play football forever.” 

 

Majoring in nutritional science and dietetics, Peterson owns an impressive 3.737 cumulative grade-point average and has his sights set on chiropractic school following his graduation in December 2008.  A two-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and member of the 2007 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team, Peterson is a role-model student-athlete who has led by example since arriving on campus in 2004. 

 

Prior to the Nebraska versus BallState game, Peterson was presented with the Brook Berringer Memorial Scholarship. 

 

“That was quite an honor," Peterson said. "I remember Brook and everything he stood for." 

 

Berringer was widely known for his leadership qualities and love for the community.  Not only was Peterson influenced by Berringer, he also credits former Husker and current medical student Dane Todd for having a major impact on his development. Peterson contends that by giving back and helping others, athletics is placed in the proper perspective. 

 

“I have been blessed with great athletic and academic ability and simply have to manage football and school,” Peterson said. "Others have far greater stressors to overcome in their everyday lives, and I feel fortunate that I can make a positive impact.”

 

The entire Nebraska football experience has made a special impact on Peterson. 

 

"The people throughout the entire University and the entire state are tremendous," Peterson said. "Nebraska has taught me to be the very best I can be.  I have become self-disciplined and independent during my time at Nebraska.  I have the confidence to excel in everything I do."