For generations, Nebraska football has been more than just a sport — it’s a cultural institution. Saturdays in the fall are sacred in the Cornhusker State, with fans flocking to Memorial Stadium to cheer on their beloved Huskers. For many, the game offers a sense of unity and an escape from the complexities of everyday life. But to assume that football — or any sport — exists in a vacuum, untouched by politics or social issues, is a comforting illusion, not reality. The intersection of sports and politics is unavoidable, and Nebraska football is no exception.
At first glance, it might seem possible to keep sports “pure” — just about touchdowns, strategy, and team spirit. But sports teams are made up of people, and people bring their beliefs, identities, and experiences with them into every locker room, press conference, and game-day moment. Athletes are not just players on a field; they are citizens, role models, and often powerful voices in the cultural and political landscape. When they speak out — whether it’s about racial justice, gender equality, mental health, or national policy — they are exercising the same rights any American has. Their platform simply gives their voices more reach.
In Nebraska, where football is deeply tied to state pride and identity, political issues inevitably surface. During the protests following George Floyd’s death in 2020, several Nebraska players and coaches spoke out about racial injustice. While some fans applauded their courage, others bristled at what they saw as “politics intruding into sports.” But speaking up about injustice isn’t a political stunt — it’s a human response to societal issues that impact real people, including the players on the team.
The decision by Nebraska to proceed with a fall season during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is another example of politics and football colliding. The university, the Big Ten conference, and even state and national leaders became involved in debates over public health, player safety, and the economic impact of canceling the season. For many, these decisions weren’t just about football; they were deeply political, involving questions about leadership, science, freedom, and responsibility.
Fans may yearn for the simplicity of “just football,” but that mindset often ignores the realities faced by the athletes they cheer for. When a player kneels during the national anthem, or when a coach makes a statement about voting rights or education policy, it’s a reflection of the world they live in — a world where politics shape their communities, opportunities, and futures.
To support Nebraska football is to support a team of individuals who live in a politically charged world, just like the rest of us. The goal isn’t to turn every game into a political rally, but to acknowledge that sports reflect society, not escape it. Embracing this reality allows fans to appreciate the full humanity of the athletes — not just their performance on the field, but their courage off it.
