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Nebraska Football: 10 Best Running Backs of All-Time

By Brandon Cavanaugh

Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska (28) runs past the tackle attempt of South squad defensive end Trey Flowers of Arkansas (86) in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad running back Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska (28) runs past the tackle attempt of South squad defensive end Trey Flowers of Arkansas (86) in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Rex Burkhead

All of the football cliches are there for Burkhead. Lunchpail, workout warrior, tough between the tackles, you name it. While he was busy racking up 3,329 yards and 30 touchdowns as a Husker, Burkhead had just as much of an impact off the field.

While he was busy racking up 3,329 yards and 30 touchdowns as a Husker, Burkhead had just as much of an impact off the field.

Without his assistance, it’s arguable that the Team Jack Foundation which brings in funding for pediatric brain cancer research wouldn’t have gained as much momentum as it has over the past several years. Burkhead’s friendship with a young man battling the disease named

Burkhead’s friendship with a young man battling the disease named Jack Hoffman captivated the Husker fanbase just as much as his workman-like style on the field.

Before too long, the entire team adopted Hoffman as a mascot as did the entirety of Husker Nation.

On the field, Burkhead made life difficult for opposing defenders. A 2011 First-Team All-Big Ten selection, he wasn’t the fastest guy, but he was a load to bring down averaging 5.2 yards per carry over the course of his career. His senior season was marred by injury, but he still managed to participate in eight games and tally 675 yards rushing with five touchdowns while catching 11 receptions for 92 yards and two scores.

His senior season was marred by injury, but he still managed to participate in eight games and tally 675 yards rushing with five touchdowns while catching 11 receptions for 92 yards and two scores.

Burkhead remains a fixture with the Team Jack organization today after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, an organization he’s remained with to this day.

Look for the Bengals’ No. 33 to continue representing his alma mater and himself as well as he did once he stepped into the Nebraska football facilities out of Plano, Tex. for the very first time.

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