The Nebraska football team is looking to build on the most successful season the program has had since 2016, in 2025. If one key to improving on a 7-6 record and a bowl win is seeing what success really looks like, then two Huskers did their part on Sunday night.
Dylan Raiola and Dawson Merritt not only got a front row seat to success at the highest level of their chosen sport, but they also saw the benefit of what is becoming a very interesting Kansas City Chiefs to Nebraska pipeline.
The two Nebraska football players, one a star, and one an expected defensive stud, were backstage for the Chiefs’ AFC Championship win over the Buffalo Bills. While Raiola is enough of a household name that he might have been able to score tickets regardless, it’s a safe bet that they got that lockerroom pass to the game thanks in large part to Merritt’s father David and new defensive line coach Terry Bradden’s ties to the Chiefs.
Let’s Goooo @RaiolaDylan @dawsonxmerritt in the building. Let’s Go @HuskerFootball #GBR pic.twitter.com/XILvSYvjfk
— Terry Bradden Jr (@CoachBradden) January 27, 2025
Nebraska football stars get backstage pass to highest level of football success
Bradden is finishing up his run as the Chiefs’ assistant offensive line coach and once KC’s season is over, he’ll be joining the Huskers staff.
Matt Rhule and company will have to wait a bit longer thanks to the Chiefs’ win over the Bills on Sunday night. They’ll have a week off and then take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on February 9.
On Twitter, Bradden posted a picture of himself, the two Merritt’s and the Huskers quarterback obviously very happy with the big win. It was in essence, showing the coming together of two “red kingdoms.”
The photo was more than just a fun piece of memorabilia. It was also of course, a way for Bradden to show the relationship with the Huskers and the Chiefs. It’s the kind of recruiting tool that is going to be a big deal over the next few years.
Missouri is a hot bed of talent these days and the Nebraska football team has already made it clear they want to mine it. Showing the Huskers’ star quarterback and newest defensive addition in the AFC Champions’ locker room certainly won’t hurt those efforts.