Following Nebraska’s 20-15 victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday, the celebration is epic! The Huskers just broke a seven-year bowl of drought! And it’s thanks to their senior RB Rahmir Johnson who made it possible! But behind his outstanding plays and successful story is a somber reality which makes his achievements even more significant. And it’s HC Matt Rhule and QB Dylan Raiola who gave him the deserving credit. 

Matt Rhule was elated after winning Nebraska their first bowl game at home since 2016. In his postgame media speech in a shared post by Kicks and College Football on Instagram on December 29, he spoke about how broken Rahmir Johnson had been after he lost his mother and how he remained with the Huskers for his final sixth year. Rhule said, “For him to come back here and put away the game like that, to do the things that he did, the plays that he made…” His admiration turned to excitement as he spotted his MVP and he shouted for him and said, “They should talk to you, not me” as he stepped aside for Rahmir Johnson to take center stage.

It’s not just Matt Rhule who’s awed by this 5’10, 200-pounder, though. Even freshman playcaller Dylan Raiola couldn’t contain his admiration. In his Instagram story, he posted a picture of Rahmir Johnson smiling with the Pinstripe Bowl Trophy with the caption, “Hometown hero.” This past season, the New York native RB recorded 201 yards on 45 carries in nine games. But the bowl game brought out a different kind of competitive spirit within him.

Rahmir Johnson rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries while also making a 9-yard catch. But it was late in the game during a crucial fourth-and-1 inside Yankee Stadium, 1 yard away from breaking their bowl drought. Thanks to Rhule’s Stud Right 30 Hammer play and his decision to use Johnson, the Huskers secured 10 more yards in addition to the required 1 yard. With this, he not only ended the cursed bowl hiatus, but also earned the MVP title in the Pinstripe Bowl. What a way to round up a college football career! But it’s his backstory that garnered the most attention. 

Rahmir Johnson’s bravado is commendable 

It’s his team above everything else for Rahmir Johnson. The Huskers, specifically, Matt Rhule, became his family during his grief from his mother Angela’s passing. The HC said, “His mom was really, really sick for the whole season.” In the months leading up to her passing, Johnson still remained with the team. As Rhule added, “I asked Rahmir to go home, he wouldn’t go home. He had to play that game, he had to stay here with his teammates. Went home at the bye week, asked me not to tell anyone, didn’t want it to be a distraction. Only let Emmett (Johnson) know. And he lost his mom, he lost his mom in November.” 

It takes a strong person to remain focused and dedicated, even in the most vulnerable times. And Rahmir Johnson is a living testament to what inner strength is. He truly deserves this fitting ending after his silent suffering. “I hope he wears his pads home on the subway and goes to his apartment and takes his MVP trophy and takes it out tonight somewhere,” Matt Rhule wished. 

It could have been better, but this has been a pretty good season for Matt Rhule and Nebraska. It’s a perfect wrap for Rahmir Johnson as he leaves college football with pride and satisfaction.