Nebraska Football Releases Statement on Death of National Champion Alum Aged Just 51

It’s a dark day for Nebraska football, as one of their own leaves this world. The Husker family now carries the heavy weight of grief after learning that former Cornhusker Matt Vrzal, and a local Omaha entrepreneur, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51. Vrzal walked on the Nebraska fields in 1992 and was part of two national championship teams in 1994 and 1995. Vrzal was a backup offensive lineman. Despite this, he still helped power one of college football’s best rushing attacks, with Nebraska topping the nation in several offensive stats those years.

After his football career, Matt became a well-known figure in Omaha through his ownership of Piezon’s Pizzeria, which became a community hub for Huskers and locals alike. So you can imagine that the Husker nation wouldn’t fall behind in showing respect to its former student and athlete. “The Nebraska Football family is deeply saddened by the passing of former Husker, Matt Vrzal,” Nebraska football official X account posted. “From walk-on to national champion, Vrz embodied what it means to be a Nebraskan and will leave a lasting impact on teammates, kids, and communities across the state.” 

And it’s not just the program showing its respect towards the deceased. Friends, teammates, and fans all shared tributes to his kindness, humor, and the lasting mark he left on and off the field.