Nebraska Cornhuskers: Sam Griesel’s success leads to charitable giving

Former Nebraska Cornhuskers star Sam Griesel has seen his success lead to yet another kind of dream coming true in the charity arena.

There’s been a ton of talk over the last year about the pros and cons of NIL and what it means to college sports and college athletes. When it comes to former Nebraska Cornhuskers star Sam Griesel, NIL opened the door for him to make enough that he could give back.

Griesel said as much on social media last week when he talked about his earnings as a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He made it clear that those earnings allowed him to help an organization near and dear to his heart.

"“Thanks to NIL, yesterday I was able to give back to a cause that helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m forever grateful for @LandonsLight and the amazing people involved. #LiveLikeLandonLived”"

Landon’s Light is an organization that was formed on in order to carry on the name of Landon Solberg, a young man who passed away from an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2019. Young Landon was a well-known staple of the West Fargo, North Dakota community.

Griesel, who spent the majority of his college basketball career with North Dakota State Bison, seems to have struck up a special relationship with the organization and the people behind it. Landon’s parents, Travis and Andrea Solberg run Landon’s Light.

Nebraska Cornhuskers star able to give back

While Sam Griesel eventually brought his game back to his hometown Lincoln, it’s clear that he forged some serious bonds when he was playing with the Bison. And not just because he was clearly one of their better players.

In an age when so much is made of the negatives of NIL, it’s nice to see a story where this kind of money is able to make a difference both for the players earning it, and the people they support.