Former Huskers from ’60s and ’70s Meet Monthly to Remember the Good Old Days
In a quiet corner of Lincoln, Nebraska, on the first Monday of each month, a group of former Nebraska Cornhuskers gather not to run drills or review film, but to share laughs, memories, and a deep camaraderie that has withstood the test of time. These men, who once wore the scarlet and cream in the 1960s and 1970s, have formed a tight-knit brotherhood that continues to thrive decades after their playing days ended.
What began as a casual lunch between a few old teammates has grown into a cherished tradition. Now, upwards of 20 former Huskers routinely meet at a local diner or community hall, bringing with them photo albums, old newspaper clippings, and plenty of stories. They come from various positions and backgrounds, but they all share a bond forged under the bright lights of Memorial Stadium and in the grueling practices of legendary coaches like Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne.
“Those were special days,” says Ron “Jake” Jacobsen, a former offensive lineman from the class of ’71. “We were more than teammates — we were family. And when you go through the kind of hard work and triumphs we did together, that never leaves you.”
The gatherings aren’t just about nostalgia. They’ve become a way for the men to support one another through the ups and downs of life after football — careers, retirements, health battles, and the challenges of aging. More than one member has credited the group with helping them navigate tough times.
“This group saved me after I lost my wife,” said Larry Wachholtz, a former safety from the mid-60s. “It reminded me I’m not alone. These guys have my back — just like they did on the field.”
The meetings have also become a place to reflect on the legacy of Husker football — a program that soared to national prominence during their era. Stories of Orange Bowls, Big Eight championships, and bone-jarring tackles are retold with a mixture of pride and humor. Some tales grow more legendary with each retelling, but no one seems to mind.
“You could be a second-stringer or a starter, didn’t matter,” says Ed Hansen, a reserve linebacker in the early ‘70s. “You were part of the machine, and that meant something. And it still does.”
Younger generations have even started to take notice. Occasionally, current Nebraska players or staff stop by the luncheons to pay respect, listen to stories, and absorb the rich tradition of Husker football.
“They’re a walking time capsule,” said one current assistant coach. “And the passion they still have — it’s what we want our players to feel every day.”
For these former Huskers, the game may have ended long ago, but the fellowship never will. As they pass around coffee and joke about who’s aged the worst or who really recovered that fumble back in ’69, one thing becomes clear: once a Husker, always a Husker.
