In the world of college football, there are moments that outshine the glare of stadium lights and rise above the noise of roaring crowds. Some victories are etched not in the scoreline, but in the hearts of players who carry battles far heavier than any blitz or fourth-quarter pressure. For Nebraska Cornhuskers’ running back Rahmir Johnson, the 2023 season wasn’t just about touchdowns or MVP titles—it was about honoring a silent, personal struggle that had been unfolding off the field. While the bright lights of the Pinstripe Bowl shined on his triumphant performance, Johnson was quietly fighting through the most painful loss of his life: the passing of his mother, Angela.
A Victory Beyond the Gridiron
Under the glitz of Yankee Stadium, Johnson stood tall, clutching the Pinstripe Bowl MVP trophy after a hard-fought win over Boston College. His smile beamed as brightly as the lights above, but behind that grin was a storm of grief few knew he was weathering. “Perfect ending,” Johnson called it, standing just minutes from his childhood home in the Bronx. But when the confetti settled and the cameras stopped flashing, Rahmir Johnson shared a deeper, more personal victory—the strength to carry on after losing his biggest supporter.
Angela Johnson, the woman who cheered the loudest from the stands and inspired Rahmir’s relentless drive, had passed away earlier that fall. For months, Johnson had kept this heartbreak close to his chest, never letting it overshadow his commitment to his team. But after the Pinstripe Bowl, he finally opened up, pouring his heart into an emotional Instagram post that resonated far beyond Nebraska’s locker room.
“I still really didn’t have a chance to really grieve your absence… But there’s one thing I do know… We going to be alright. So rest easy, Ma,” Johnson wrote, his words echoing the pain and resilience he had carried all season long.
The Husker Brotherhood Rallies
It didn’t take long for Johnson’s teammates and the broader Nebraska community to rally around him. Star cornerback Amare Sanders, ranked 63rd in the nation, reposted Johnson’s tribute with a heartfelt message of his own: “Dollaz! Keep smiling for Ma Dukes. You blessed, boy… best believe she looking down on you smiling.” The support didn’t stop there. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska’s five-star quarterback and the crown jewel of the program’s future, quietly but meaningfully showed his solidarity with a simple like on Rahmir’s post. Small gestures, yes, but powerful reminders that football is more than just a game—it’s a family.
Johnson’s journey through Nebraska has been nothing short of a testament to resilience. Over six seasons in Lincoln, he faced everything from injuries to depth chart demotions, navigating the ever-evolving chaos of college football. When Angela passed away, Rahmir slipped away during the Huskers’ November bye week to attend her funeral in New Jersey. Then, like nothing had happened, he returned to the team, keeping his grief hidden, his focus unwavering.
“I don’t want it to be, like, a big distraction,” he had told head coach Matt Rhule. But when Nebraska needed him most—in the final game of his college career—Rahmir delivered with the heart of a champion. Sixty rushing yards, a touchdown, and the game-sealing run on Rhule’s trusted “30 Hammer” play—a call that had followed the coach since his days at Temple. That touchdown wasn’t just another stat. It was a tribute to the woman who had cheered him on since day one.
Matt Rhule: A Coach, a Mentor, and a Witness to True Courage
For Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule, Rahmir Johnson’s story became more than just a player’s journey—it was a reminder of why he coaches the game in the first place. In a press conference after the Pinstripe Bowl, Rhule warned reporters he was about to get emotional. “Rahmir has never allowed anyone to really know what happened to him this year,” Rhule said, his voice heavy with emotion. Then, he pulled back the curtain on Johnson’s silent battle, revealing the heartbreak Rahmir had endured while continuing to show up, game after game, for his team.
“He loved his mother,” Rhule said. “He lost his mother. He cares about this team. I think this is a fitting end for him.”
Johnson’s time at Nebraska was marked by ups and downs. After a quiet freshman year in 2019 and limited play in 2020, he found his stride in 2021—only for a concussion to cut that breakthrough short. In 2022, his role diminished, and by 2023, a shoulder injury seemed to spell the end of his college career. But through it all—injuries, setbacks, and personal tragedy—Rahmir never wavered. He clawed his way back onto the field, finishing his final season with 261 rushing yards, 179 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. And when it mattered most, he saved his best for last.
After hoisting the MVP trophy, Rhule joked that Rahmir should “ride the subway home in full uniform, pads and all.” But beneath the humor was a deep respect for a player whose heart and loyalty outshone even his athletic prowess.
Rahmir Johnson: The Heartbeat of Nebraska Football
In an era where college football is often overshadowed by NIL deals, transfer portals, and player movements, Rahmir Johnson stood as a beacon of loyalty and perseverance. While others chased bigger opportunities, Rahmir stayed. “I love this program. I’m dedicated to this place,” he said, embodying the spirit that Matt Rhule cherishes in his players.
Sure, Dylan Raiola might be hailed as the future of Nebraska football—a quarterback with shades of Mahomes in his game—but Rahmir Johnson’s story is the soul of this team. His journey is a reminder that football is about more than just the plays on the field. It’s about the people, the relationships, and the resilience to overcome life’s toughest battles.
For Rahmir Johnson, the 2023 season wasn’t just about football. It was about honoring his mother’s memory with every yard gained, every tackle broken, and every touchdown scored. And as he leaves the field behind, one thing is certain: his legacy in Nebraska will be remembered not just for his performance, but for his heart.
“Rest easy, Ma.”
