A Husker Legacy

As the Huskers celebrated their 400th consecutive sellout game at Memorial Stadium this past weekend, I’m just grateful I played a role in writing the first chapter of that milestone, back in 1962. November 3, 1962, to be precise — the first game of that legendary sellout streak.

We were 6-0 before facing a tough Missouri team in front of 36,000 fans.

I remember the Tigers struck first, but then, in the second quarter, I was in the right place at the right time.

Missouri’s quarterback Johnny Roland rolled out and threw a pass to the flat.

The ball got tipped, and I was able to grab it.

I took off running and made it 88 yards for the Pick Six and score the first points of the streak.

The Sea of Red erupted.

One fan was so excited they actually jumped out of the stands and ran down the track to celebrate with me.

We only scored once that game, but it was enough to ignite a crowd.

One that is still faithful to this day.

That moment is a special newspaper clipping for me, but it’s only one of the many memories I made at Nebraska.

When I think back to playing football at Nebraska, two things stand out to me.

The relationships I built, and the joy of a game well played.

More than just a game

One of the things that was kind of unique about my time at Nebraska is that I had the opportunity to play both offense and defense.

I played running back in high school, but my college coaches slotted me into linebacker and fullback.

I played 48 minutes of almost every game.

You just don’t get that opportunity today.

It was a grind, but it was all worth it.

We made it all the way to the Gotham Bowl that season and faced Miami at Yankee Stadium.

Playing at Nebraska got me off the farm in Kansas and brought me into a community of guys who just knew how to love the game and have fun playing it.

Monte Kiffin, Warren Powers, Dennis Claridge, Ron Michka - we had a blast.

But most importantly, Nebraska introduced me to my teammate for life.

I met my wife, Vicki, while I was still in college.

I was one of the guys chosen to help recruit players.

I took them out to dinner and showed them around campus, and I often found myself at Vicki’s house with the other recruits.

Her dad, Bill Jennings, was the head coach at the time, so that’s how we met.

We hit it off right away, and I’m so grateful for the family I’ve built with Vicki.

She’s been my rock from day one, and I can’t imagine my life without her.

She absolutely loves football, too.

I often joke that, even though I coached at St. Cloud State for a while, Vicki was the true coach of our family, and I was happy to be her assistant.

A Big Red Family

The Martin family has deep roots in Nebraska, and I’d say that we’re pretty much Huskers through and through.

It’s an honor to be part of the Nebraska football legacy and have a multi-generational connection to the university.

All three of our daughters graduated from Nebraska, as well as my granddaughter Emma and grandson Daniel, who played golf there.

It was a perfect fit for us when we were in college, and the university has only grown in our hearts over the years.

I’m just grateful for all the blessings Nebraska has brought to my family.

Go Big Red!