Johnny Rodgers facts for kids

Johnny Steven Rodgers (born July 5, 1951) is a famous American former football player. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 1972, he won the amazing Heisman Trophy. Rodgers also played professional football 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 Star: "The Jet"

Johnny Rodgers was known as "the Jet." This nickname came from his incredible speed and quickness on the football field. When he played for Tech High in Omaha, he was even voted high school athlete of the year.

Playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Rodgers was a very versatile player. He was a punt return specialist, a pass receiver, and a running back. He broke almost all of the team's offensive records. He was named to the College Football All-America Team twice. In 1972, he won the Walter Camp Award and the Heisman Trophy. These awards are given to the best college football player in the United States.

Setting Records and Making History

During his three years with the Cornhuskers, Rodgers set an NCAA record. He gained 5,586 all-purpose yards. Former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne said Rodgers was the best punt returner he ever saw. College Football News even called him "the greatest kick returner in college football history." Rodgers scored seven touchdowns from punt returns and one from a kickoff return in his college career. These were NCAA records at the time.

Memorable Games and Performances

In 1971, Rodgers made an unforgettable play in the "Game of the Century." He returned a punt 72 yards for the first touchdown. This helped his team win 35–31 against the University of Oklahoma. Many people also remember his amazing performance 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!

• 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 Journey

After college, Johnny Rodgers was a top pick in the 1973 NFL Draft. However, he decided to sign a contract with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes instead. He signed a big three-year deal on May 24, 1973.

Success in the CFL

Rodgers quickly became a fan favorite in Canada. He 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. This award is for the Eastern division's most valuable player. He was also named a CFL or Eastern all-star every season. In 1974, he helped his team win the Grey Cup championship.

Time in the NFL

Rodgers returned to the United States in 1977. He signed a large contract with the San Diego Chargers in the NFL. Unfortunately, injuries made it hard for him to play much. Hamstring injuries kept him out for most of his first NFL season. The next year, a knee injury during practice ended his career. He played only 17 NFL games.

Career Statistics

Lasting Legacy in Football

Johnny Rodgers left a huge mark on football. In 1999, fans voted him onto the Nebraska All-Century Football Team. Sports Illustrated also named him the University of Nebraska's "Player of the Century" in 2000. He is one of only sixteen Cornhuskers players to have his jersey number retired by the team.

Recognized Among Football's Best

Rodgers was chosen for the "NCAA Football All-Century Team" by Sports Illustrated in 1999. He was one of six Nebraska Cornhuskers on this special team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation also selected him for their College Football All Century Team. College Football News ranked him #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.

Hall of Fame and Special Honors

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. In Montreal, Canada, where he played professionally, Rodgers is still a legend. The Alouettes honored him in 2011, and he received a standing ovation.

The Jet Award

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. It celebrates the amazing skills Rodgers showed as a returner.

Life After Football

Today, Johnny Rodgers is a businessman in Omaha, Nebraska. He runs a sports marketing company. He also helps his alma mater (the school he attended) encourage athletes to finish their education.

Rodgers wrote a book called An Era of Greatness. It's about the University of Nebraska football team during his playing days. He also served as president of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation for ten years. In 2014, Rodgers was hired as a vice president at Rural Media Group.

In November 2021, Rodgers was hospitalized with COVID-19 but recovered well. His daughter, Jewel Rodgers, is a talented poet laureate of Nebraska.