You Won't Believe the Shocking Secrets Behind Nebraska Football's Greatest Legends!

The Nebraska football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing an impressive 28 members of the College Football Hall of Fame, including legendary coaches like Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne. Together, Devaney and Osborne led the Cornhuskers to five National Championships between 1962 and 1997, amassing an astounding 391 wins. However, when it comes to the professional level, the Cornhuskers have struggled, with only five former players ever elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame—until now.

This week, former Husker star running back Roger Craig was inducted as the sixth Nebraska player to earn a plaque in Canton, Ohio. Craig's journey to the Hall of Fame has been a long one, culminating in this, his 28th year of eligibility. A standout for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s, Craig was instrumental in the team’s three Super Bowl victories and made history as the first NFL running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season in 1986. That year, he shared the backfield with fellow Cornhusker Tom Rathman.

Not only was Craig recognized for his rushing capabilities, but he also earned the title of the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. His performance peaked at Super Bowl XIX, where he scored three touchdowns in a decisive 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Craig’s success at the NFL level is particularly remarkable given the limitations he faced in college. Under Osborne’s I formation triple option offense, Craig rushed for over 2,400 yards and scored 26 touchdowns during his three years at Nebraska. In his senior year of 1982, Craig notably shared carries with future Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier. Often moving to fullback, Craig's versatility allowed both players to shine, yet this meant he had minimal opportunities to showcase his receiving talents; he only recorded 16 receptions for 102 yards during his collegiate career.

It wasn’t until Craig joined Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh with the 49ers that his receiving skills flourished. Over his career, Craig amassed impressive stats, finishing with over 8,000 rushing yards and nearly 5,000 receiving yards, making him a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Craig’s connection with Rathman was pivotal for both players. When Rathman joined the 49ers in 1986, they formed what was dubbed the “Corn backfield.” Rathman’s excellent blocking was critical to Craig’s rushing success, and he himself emerged as a legitimate receiving threat; in 1989, Rathman led all NFL running backs with 73 receptions.

As Nebraska fans celebrate Craig's induction, they may be left wondering who could be next to reach such heights in the professional realm. Ndamukong Suh, recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, is a potential candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028. After being drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010, Suh had a 13-season career highlighted by being named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010 and earning five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods. He is also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 2010s and contributed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in 2021.

Another name to consider is Lavonte David, a linebacker who played for Nebraska from 2010 to 2011. Though he has not yet officially retired, David has built an impressive resume. A two-time All-American, he was a key player on the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning squad in 2021 and has racked up over 1,700 tackles and 42 sacks during his ongoing 13-year career.

Craig's induction shines a spotlight on Nebraska's rich football legacy and raises questions about its future in the professional ranks. As the program continues to develop talent, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on emerging players, hoping to see more Cornhuskers joining the ranks of the Hall of Fame.