Nebraska football running back Emmett Johnson is a leader for the Huskers in several different ways. First and foremost, the running back is leading a room that is still looking to find its feet as a whole. Outside of his 108 yards on Thursday, there wasn't much action of note from the group backing him up.
Johnson is also a leader off the field. He's a smart kid who understands his voice can carry a lot of weight. He used that voice after the Huskers outlasted the Bearcats, making sure that people paid attention to something that is far more important than sports.
How Nebraska’s running back honored shooting victims during and after the game
As reporters gathered around the Nebraska running back following his strong rushing performance, he stepped away from the spotlight to shine it elsewhere. Before leaving the podium, the Minneapolis native made a simple but deeply moving request: "Can you guys pray for some families back home?"
His words were in reference to the tragic school shooting that had shaken his hometown just days before. The shooting, which took place at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, left two children dead and several others injured. The school is only two miles from Johnson’s high school, making the tragedy very personal.
The Husker running back honored the victims throughout the game with "PRAY 4 MPLS" written on the tape around his wrist. And as he closed his press conference, he repeated, "Please pray for Minneapolis." It was a moment that underlined that sometimes, there's stuff out there that's more important than whether the Nebraska football team wins a game.