Nebraska Legends Johnny Rodgers and Ndamukong Suh Named to AP All-Time All-America First Team
The Associated Press (AP) has released its prestigious All-Time All-America First Team, honoring the greatest college football players across the history of the sport, and Nebraska’s own Johnny Rodgers and Ndamukong Suh have earned spots on this elite list.
Johnny Rodgers, who dazzled as an all-purpose player for Nebraska in the early 1970s, is featured as the All-Purpose selection. Rodgers, a 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, is remembered for his electrifying playmaking abilities and versatility on the field. His inclusion on this all-time team underscores his lasting impact on college football.
Defensively, Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh, who made his mark as a dominant defensive tackle in 2009, has also been selected for the first team. Suh’s combination of size, power, and speed made him a nightmare for offenses during his collegiate career and helped him earn a reputation as one of the most formidable defensive linemen in college football history.
The AP All-Time All-America First Team spans a century of college football, featuring legendary figures across every position. Other notable selections on the defense include Bronko Nagurski of Minnesota (tackle, 1929), Hugh Green of Pittsburgh (end, 1978-80), and linebacker icons like Dick Butkus from Illinois and Derrick Thomas from Alabama. The offensive roster includes stars such as Tim Tebow (quarterback, Florida, 2007) and Barry Sanders (running back, Oklahoma State, 1988).
This special team was announced as part of a celebration of 100 years of college football greatness, aiming to recognize players who had a transformative effect on the game. The inclusion of Rodgers and Suh highlights Nebraska’s proud tradition of producing top-tier football talent that has shaped the sport.
According to ESPN, “The all-purpose player is Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1972). On defense, Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (2009) joins Bronko Nagurski of Minnesota (1929) as the first-team tackles.” This acknowledgment places both Rodgers and Suh among the pantheon of college football legends named in the AP’s historic selection.2
Fans and college football historians have long celebrated both athletes for their extraordinary collegiate careers. Rodgers’ dynamic style and playmaking won him acclaim in an era dominated by physicality and grit, while Suh’s defensive dominance made him a pivotal figure in the modern game, ultimately leading to a successful professional career.
The AP All-Time All-America First Team also recognizes numerous other icons such as Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson in the secondary, Ronnie Lott and Ed Reed at safety, and specialists like Florida State’s Sebastian Janikowski as kicker.
By spotlighting Rodgers and Suh, the Associated Press has reinforced Nebraska’s status as a powerhouse in college football history, with players who excelled not just at the collegiate level but also left a lasting legacy in the sport.