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Johnny Rodgers

Wide Receiver

Inducted 2000

Date of Birth

7/5/1951

Birthplace

Omaha, NE

School

University of Nebraska (1970-1972)

Bio

Johnny Rodgers played three years at wingback and wide receiver in Bob Devaney's offense. Nebraska won two Big 8 Conference titles and was national champion in 1970 and 1971. Rodgers was all-conference three times, consensus All-America in 1971 and unanimous All-America in 1972. Also in 1972, he won the Heisman Trophy and was named Player of the Year by ABC. In his career he carried the ball 130 times and averaged 5.7 yards a try. He caught 143 passes and averaged a gain of 17.3 yards. He had 133 kick returns and averaged 17.8. When the stats are combined into a category called all-purpose running, they show 406 plays and an average of 13.8, a record. He had a jittery, swirling running style. In 1971, Nebraska and Oklahoma met in a duel of teams ranked 1 and 2. Rodgers made a 72-yard punt return to open the scoring in Nebraska's win. After the 1971 season, Nebraska was in the Orange Bowl against Alabama. Rodgers had a 77-yard punt return. After the 1972 season Nebraska beat Notre Dame 40-6 in the Orange Bowl. Rodgers scored four touchdowns and passed for a fifth. He played pro with Montreal in the Canadian Football League 1973-76 and San Diego in the NFL 1977-78.