Former 'Husker Walk-on A Super Saint

The University of Nebraska has a very storied football program and is the fourth among wins all time. In the modern era, since 1970, they are easily the winningest team and holders of five national championships.

The Cornhuskers are also known for having a unique and passionate fan base, including the record for consecutive sellouts which went over 300 this past fall. Another interesting tidbit about Nebraska is their walk-on program. While scholarship recruits are the lifeline of major college programs, Nebraska utilizes the walk-on program for kids around the state and country to show up and if they can become successful, later earn a scholarship to play for the Big Red. The walk-on program is the heart and soul of the Cornhusker program.

Over the years, several walk-on players have achieved all conference honors and some, including Derrie Nelson, Jimmy Williams, Jared Tomich and Jarvis Redwine, have earned All America Honors. Others have had lengthy NFL career, including Toby Williams, John Parella and Adam Treu. There are some former walk-ons currently in the NFL, including Kyle Larson, Stewart Bradley and Scott Shanle, who will start at linebacker in the Super Bowl today for the New Orleans Saints. I applaud these players for their hard work in achieving their goals.

Although Indianapolis has a 'Husker on the roster in Cody Glenn, I will be pulling for the Saints who have offensive tackle Carl Nicks in addition to Shanle. There are no Seminoles on the Super bowl rosters.

And although I am a big fan of Peyton Manning, who is among the best to ever play, I am down on the Colts for pulling their players late in the season to protect from injury, notably Manning and tight end Dallas Clark, and costing me my fantasy league championship.

I have no doubt Manning and the Colts will put up points, but I think New Orleans will also. In support of the 'Husker walk-on program and the outstanding scenery in the Superdome, I'll take New Orleans, 35-31 in one for the ages.