New Hall-of-Famer Kelsay Eager to See Blackshirts

Kelsay, Taylor Captain 2017 Hall of Fame Class

By Randy York

Take this straight from Chad Kelsay, one of four former Husker players who will be enshrined in the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame on Sept. 16th when Northern Illinois visits Lincoln.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” Kelsay told me. “From a defensive standpoint, I can’t wait to see how the team does as they transition to a new 3-4 scheme against Arkansas State. I love the intensity that coaches like (defensive coordinator)Bob Diacoand (defensive line coach) John Parrella bring to the table.”

A four-year Nebraska letter winner at defensive end, Kelsay also likes the way head coach Mike Rileyand his defensive assistants embrace the longstanding Blackshirts’ tradition.

Now vice president of sales for Truck Center Companies in Omaha, Kelsay (1995-96-97-98) appreciates the opportunity to return to Memorial Stadium and celebrate his Hall-of-Fame honor on Tom Osborne Field. Three other Husker players will join him – Donnie McGhee (1968-69-70), Randy Theiss (1980-81-82) and Zac Taylor (2005-06).

“It will be an incredible honor to be on the field and recognized for the hall of fame induction, but more importantly it will be exciting to be on the field again in front of the best fans in college football,” Kelsay said. “The fans are what made playing for Nebraska so special, and I thank them for all the great memories!

“I’m truly honored and humbled,” Kelsay said. “Growing up as a small-town boy in Auburn, Nebraska, just having the opportunity to play for the Big Red was a dream come true.  Now, having the honor of being inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame is truly an experience that words can’t explain. It makes me proud to represent my family, as well as my hometown. When you look at the long and tradition-rich history of Nebraska football, it’s an unbelievable experience to join the list of incredible players already inducted.”

As a Freshman, Kelsay Played in All 12 Games on 1995 National Championship Team 

One of three scholarship freshmen from the 1995 recruiting class who contributed to the ‘95 national championship team, Kelsay(above) played in all 12 games, recording 20 tackles (13 solo) plus three tackles for 13 yards in losses. A Blue Chip Illustrated All-American linebacker in high school, he backed up All-American defensive end Jared Tomich as a sophomore, then started every game but the first for Nebraska’s 1997 national championship team. 

“Being part of two national championships is what sticks out in my mind most when thinking back to my collegiate career,” Kelsay said. “I had the opportunity to play on some great teams with great coaching staffs and great players, and winning those two national championships were the significant highlights of my time at Nebraska. As we moved past our playing days, it was great to be able to keep in touch with so many teammates and coaches. Our lifelong relationships are really what makes Nebraska’s program so special.

“I believe the relationships within the program between the players, coaches and support staff make Nebraska truly special,” Kelsay said. “I was lucky to be at Nebraska during the mid-90s and be part of some extremely good teams. While our talent level was extremely good, I believe the chemistry, work ethic and relationships really laid the groundwork for the success we had during that timeframe.”

Football Was Not the Only Nebraska Expectation; Balance in Life Was a Major Factor

At Nebraska, excelling on the football field was paramount. “But football was not the only high expectation for us,” Kelsay said. “Coach Osborne always made it clear that there should be balance to our lives.  Yes, the athletic component was a major part of our lives.”

Kelsay was Nebraska’s 1998 Lifter of the Year in the weight room and a captain for the Huskers’ ‘98 team. A Finance major, he was also a first-team Academic All-American and a three-time first-team Academic All Big 12 selection.  

“Coach Osborne shared that a spiritual or religious component could also be very impactful for those that were interested,” Kelsay said. “We also spent a lot of time with community outreach programs. We helped and gave back wherever and whenever possible. All of these areas lead to a more balanced life, and while we were at Nebraska to play football at a high level, it was even more important how our coaching staff helped prepare us to be well-rounded young men.”

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