Following the news of former Nebraska football running back Calvin Jones’ death, there have been all sorts of tributes spoken and written about the home grown talent who was one of the best rushers the school has ever seen.
None of those tributes were likely as passionate as former Husker tight end Vershan Jackson who had the misfortune of finding out about his former teammate and “big brother” while he was live on the air with 93.7 The Ticket.
Jackson, who was clearly emotional about the news, and who had to turn down several phone calls as he spoke about his feelings - at least some from other former NU teammates calling about the news - was clearly emotional and heartbroken. However, when he turned his attention to what he felt about the treatment of Jones by the current administration, his emotions turned towards frustration and anger.
Former Nebraska football star angered over treatment of former teammate by NU
Jackson started off by talking about the way that Jones treated his teammates, stating that he saw the former running back treat troubled teammate Lawrence Phillips like a little brother, before adding that he treated everyone like that. And then it turned to how Jackson feels Jones wasn’t being respected enough by the people in charge of the Nebraska football program.
“Where’s Calvin Jones? I didn’t see Calvin Jones at a game,” Jackson said. “How come Calvin hasn’t been at the game coach?”
It’s here when Jackson seems to think that perhaps Husker head coach Matt Rhule hasn’t tried hard enough to get the man that he earlier called “a living legend” to have more of a presence with the current group.
“Has Calvin been back at the university to go speak to the running backs? I’m just wondering,” he asked with an obvious edge in his voice.
“From Omaha,” he added “I’m.Just.Wondering. How can Calvin Jones still go get $1,000 to go sing autographs for an hour and we don’t even respect him at the university?”
Jackson then seemed to realize he was pretty worked up, caught himself and more calmly said “somebody better call me today.” Meaning that he had some questions that needed to be answered.
It is of course, not clear if Calvin Jones was somehow left out of former player reunions that have been a big part of Matt Rhule’s regime, or whether the running back simply hasn’t had an interest in going back.
What Jackson definitely did do is raise an excellent point about tapping into Jones’ knowledge of the game and being one of the best runningbacks to even play for the Nebraska football team, and why NU (to his knowledge) has never done that. Perhaps his questions can help Rhule and his staff further enhance their outreach with some of the best to ever play, who might have faded into the shadows a bit over the years.