Football, Family, and Fandom in Nebraska Football in Nebraska isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life for its inhabitants. In his novel Brooklyn, Nebraska, John David Grandinetti captures the intense feelings for the Nebraska Cornhuskers team that run through generations, uniting families and communities. The most vivid example can be seen in the recounting of the game where the Nebraska Cornhuskers faced their arch-rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, in an epic showdown. This game was billed as, and to this day is still called the “Game of the Century.”
Whenever a big game was broadcast, the neighbors would gather at the Pink House to watch together. The same was true for this game. The whole neighborhood came together in what was a highly anticipated match. The game lived up to its hype as Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers ignited the crowd with his electrifying 72-yard punt return for a touchdown early in the game, giving the Huskers an early lead and propelling them to the legendary 35-31 victory. This win was largely made possible by the great performance of fullback Jeff Kinney, who plowed through the Sooner defensive line for his fourth, and ultimately game-winning, touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
The novel highlights these moments and the effect football has on compacting the bond between families and communities. The joy, pride and love of these moments show that football, family and fandom are inseparable in Nebraska.
