A Heisman Portrait in Ameer-iad of Pictures

Randy York’s N-Sider

Saturday night presented a myriad of Nebraska football coaches, players, and fans connecting the present with the past, and the best thing about Cornhuskers and Hurricanes in Sunday conversations is simply this: Ameer Abdullah, the “mighty man” who broke Johnny Rodgers’ Husker career all-purpose yardage record, is now firmly cemented into everyone’s Heisman Trophy discussions.  Ameer exploded for 313 all-purpose yards that included 229 rushing yards and two touchdowns on a career-high 35 carries (plus a third TD pass reception).  The product that Abdullah put on the field in Nebraska’s 41-31 win over Miami at Memorial Stadium matches the promotion that ESPN writer Bonnie D. Ford described in a long but fascinating profile of Ameer prior to the renewal of a rivalry that helped the Huskers climb to No. 19 in the coaches' poll and No. 21 in the media poll.

The N-Sider considers the ESPN profile a must read because it explains the impact Ameer has had on Nebraska and on college football long before he met the network's national performance standard once again.  Ameer has willed his way into the Heisman Trophy conversation, and Bo Pelini said he played "like a man possessed" Saturday night.  If you read Ford’s compelling profile, you will get to the very root of Abdullah’s magnificent obsession.  In a nutshell, Ameer is fully equipped with unique life experiences.  A Muslim, Ameer grew up in the Deep South and ended up being coached at Nebraska by Ron Brown, who shares 100 yards of common ground with his top running back every day.

Ameer Heisman Campaign Focuses on Values   

For those who haven’t examined Nebraska’s classy website promoting Ameer, visit FearAmeer.com and once you access the site, hit the "I play for Nebraska" video arrow.  You also might take another look at HuskersFBnation videos while you’re there.  Nebraska sees a Heisman differently than others.  Instead of hype, our media relations team emphasizes values and relates football to success in academics and sucess in life.  The youngest of nine children, Ameer chose to be the last sibling to complete his college degree instead of chasing pro football’s dollar signs.  The media has viewed Nebraska’s approach as refreshing, if not creative.  Media members, after all, received a package of AA8 batteries as reminders of Ameer Abdullah and the electric energy associated with No. 8.  The site shows Ameer’s lead in FBS active career all-purpose yardage and career 100-yard rushing games.  The photo atop this column shows national media still working after Saturday's crowd cleared and the music stopped.  If it is indeed true that one picture is worth a thousand words, we use Ameer-iad of Huskers.com photos to paint a Heisman portrait that complements the ESPN profile.

When Ameer Comes Out of the Tunnel, He Celebrates

When Nebraska's captains emerge from The Tunnel for the pregame, running back Ameer Abdullah (8) is leader of the pack.  His eyes and arms wide open, Ameer celebrates the opportunity to represent his team, along with wide receiver Kenny Bell (80), offensive guard Jake Cotton (68), cornerback Josh Mitchell (6) and safety Corey Cooper (5).

Ameer Has the Vision to Know Where to Go Next

Wherever he is and whatever obstructions might be there, Ameer has a laser-like vision to plot strategy, find open space and then navigate a geometric route to the end zone. 

When Ameer Salutes a Play, He Does It with Precision

It may be rooted in his family's military background, but No. 8's penchant for precision stretches to how he salutes a run, a catch or a block.  Teammates like to follow his lead.

Ameer's Competitive Spirit Reflects His Spiritual Nature

Ameer prays before games, wishing teammates and opponents "the best of luck, asking the Lord to help us use our talents to glorify him, not to be selfish or self-motivated" and to "keep us safe from injury" so "we can show everything we've worked for the week before."

A Warrior on the Field, a Peacemaker at Game's End 

Leadership is multi-faceted responsibility.  When a football game's on the line, leaders give their level best to win.  When the game ends, leaders congratulate opponents, win or lose.

Game's Star Acknowledges a Little Help from his Friends

What does the star of a nationally televised game do after a live interview on the field and congratulating his opponents?  Ameer Abdullah heads to the student section, then waves to his loyal fans in the Boneyard.  Then he shakes hands with every member of the Big Red Spirit Squad.  His point is his purpose, thanking everyone who helped to inspire him.

Fans Learn Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

While most fans head to their cars, trucks and SUVs or to a postgame get-together, young Big Red fans get a late view of an All-America running back returning to the locker room.

Sometimes, You Stop to Touch Someone's Heart

One thing about Ameer.  Even after a grueling, hard-hitting day of work, there is always time to stop and touch someone's heart, especially when someone touches yours.

The Final Steps Before Next Weekend's Journey Begins

Ameer is a heroic figure in Nebraska and in the Big Ten Conference, but when your No. 1 goal is to win the Huskers' first conference championship since 1999, every week is dedicated to the team, not individual goals.  That's the way real leaders look at the world.

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