In northern Colorado, nestled between the windswept plains and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, life has a rhythm of its own. For transplants from Nebraska, like myself, it’s a blend of old traditions and new landscapes. Though the scenery has changed, the values we brought with us—faith, hard work, community, and football—have never left our hearts. The Cornhusker spirit runs deep, no matter where we are, and in this new corner of the world, we’ve built a life that honors where we came from while embracing where we are.
Growing up in Nebraska, football wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life. On fall Saturdays, everything revolved around Husker football. Small towns would empty as families gathered around televisions or packed into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, donning red and white, the colors of our collective identity. In Colorado, it’s different. Buffs and Broncos territory dominate, but for us Nebraska natives, the Husker pride remains fierce and unwavering.
Moving to northern Colorado brought new opportunities, but also a longing for the familiar. That’s when the Nebraska community stepped in. Scattered across towns like Greeley, Loveland, and Fort Collins are people just like me—those who grew up with Big Red football and brought their traditions with them. We found each other at local bars broadcasting Husker games, tailgate parties in driveways, and community events where red shirts outnumbered all others. These moments remind us that even far from home, our roots are still strong.
The football traditions we cherish have become more than just nostalgic memories. They’re now family rituals, passed down to children who’ve never lived in Nebraska but know the fight song by heart. Game days in Colorado have their own flavor, blending Rocky Mountain charm with Midwestern grit. We grill Nebraska-style runzas next to Colorado craft beers, flying Husker flags high in the Colorado breeze. It’s a beautiful fusion of two places that hold pieces of our hearts.
But it’s not just about football. The true Nebraska spirit—one of friendliness, perseverance, and neighborly care—has found fertile ground here. Whether it’s helping a neighbor with snow removal, supporting local schools, or showing up for community fundraisers, the values we brought from the Cornhusker State thrive in this new setting. We’ve built neighborhoods where people look out for one another, where honesty matters, and where you can count on a helping hand when life gets tough.
Living the Nebraska life in northern Colorado is a testament to how identity travels with you. You don’t leave behind who you are—you adapt and grow, but the core remains. For many of us, that core is red, resilient, and rooted in football. It’s more than a memory; it’s a living legacy we carry westward, blending tradition with new beginnings. In the Rockies, we’ve found a second home, but Nebraska is always close—on the screen every Saturday, in the stories we tell, and in the way we live our lives, full of heart and Husker pride.
