Johnny Rodgers facts for kids

Johnny Steven Rodgers, born on July 5, 1951, is a former American football player. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 1972, he won the famous Heisman Trophy. Rodgers also played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Montreal Alouettes. Later, he joined the National Football League (NFL) with the San Diego Chargers. He was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

College Football Career

Johnny Rodgers was known as "the Jet" because of his amazing speed on the field. He was named high school athlete of the year while playing for Omaha's Tech High.

Playing for the Cornhuskers

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Rodgers played many roles. He was a specialist at returning punts, a great pass receiver, and a strong running back. Rodgers set many team records for offense. He was chosen twice for the College Football All-America Team. In 1972, he won the Walter Camp Award and the Heisman Trophy. These awards are given to the best college football players in the United States.

During his three years with the Cornhuskers, Rodgers set an all-purpose yardage record for the NCAA. He gained a total of 5,586 yards. Former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne said that Rodgers was the best punt returner he had ever seen. College Football News also called him "the greatest kick returner in college football history." Rodgers scored seven touchdowns from punt returns and one from a kickoff return during his college career.

Memorable College Games

In 1971, Nebraska played against the University of Oklahoma in a game called the "Game of the Century." Rodgers returned a punt 72 yards for the first touchdown. This play helped his team win 35–31. ESPN described his performance as "unforgettable."

Many people believe his best game was in the 1973 Orange Bowl. He led his team to a big 40–6 victory over Notre Dame. In that game, Rodgers ran for three touchdowns. He also caught a 50-yard pass for another touchdown. Plus, he threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to a teammate. He did all this with plenty of time left in the game.

College Statistics by Year

• 1970: 39 carries for 219 yards with 4 touchdowns. 39 catches for 710 yards with 7 touchdowns.
• 1971: 40 carries for 269 yards with 2 touchdowns. 57 catches for 956 yards with 11 touchdowns.
• 1972: 73 carries for 348 yards with 10 touchdowns. 58 catches for 1013 yards with 9 touchdowns.

Professional Football Career

In the 1973 NFL Draft, Johnny Rodgers was a first-round pick for the San Diego Chargers. However, he chose to sign a three-year contract with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes on May 24, 1973. He felt the Chargers were not offering enough money.

Playing in Canada

Rodgers was always a favorite with fans and was known as the "ordinary superstar." In 1973, he won the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award. During his four years with the Alouettes, Rodgers won the Jeff Russel Memorial Trophy twice. He was also named an all-star each season. He helped his team win a Grey Cup championship in 1974.

Return to the NFL

Rodgers returned to the United States and signed a contract with the Chargers on January 3, 1977. Unfortunately, injuries kept him from playing much. Hamstring injuries affected his first NFL season. The next year, a knee injury during practice ended his career. He played only 17 NFL games in total.

Career Statistics

Legacy and Honors

Johnny Rodgers has received many honors for his football career. In 1999, fans chose him for the Nebraska All-Century Football Team. He was also named to the All-Century Nebraska football team by Gannett News Service.

Player of the Century

In 2000, Sports Illustrated voted him the University of Nebraska's "Player of the Century." In 2002, he was named to the Athlon Sports Nebraska All-Time Team. His jersey number 20 is one of only sixteen retired by the Nebraska Cornhuskers team. This means no other player can wear that number.

All-Century Teams

In 1999, Sports Illustrated selected Rodgers as a receiver for their "NCAA Football All-Century Team." Other famous receivers on this team included Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Rodgers was one of six Nebraska Cornhuskers on this team.

Also in 1999, the Walter Camp Football Foundation chose Rodgers as a starting receiver for their College Football All Century Team. He was one of six Nebraska Cornhuskers on this roster as well.

Top Player Rankings

College Football News ranked Johnny Rodgers #44 on their list of the 100 Greatest Players of All-Time. In 2007, ESPN ranked him #23 on their list of the Top 25 Players In College Football History. In 2000, Johnny Rodgers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was also voted the "Most Valuable Player" in the history of the Big Eight.

The Jet Award

Rodgers is still a legend in Montreal, Canada. The Alouettes honored him with a special homecoming event on September 11, 2011. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.

In 2011, the Jet Award was created in Rodgers' honor. This national award is given every year to the best return specialist in college football.

Personal Life and Activities

Today, Johnny Rodgers is a businessman in Omaha, Nebraska. He runs a sports marketing company and a company that makes bedding products. He also works with his alma mater, the University of Nebraska. He helps encourage athletes who left school to return and finish their education.

Rodgers has written a book called An Era of Greatness. It is about the University of Nebraska football team during the years he played. From 1995 to 2005, Rodgers was the president of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation. In May 2014, Rodgers was hired as vice president of new business development at Rural Media Group.

In November 2021, Rodgers was hospitalized with COVID-19 but was released two weeks later. His daughter, Jewel Rodgers, is the poet laureate of Nebraska.