The football world is collectively on pause right now, taking a much-earned breather. But life off the gridiron goes on, and it’s brought about some very unfortunate news. As College Football embraces a bigger footprint and pulls more eyeballs than ever, it’s always worth keeping in perspective those who made this possible. For every dollar made in NIL, those that poured in sweat equity and laid the groundwork. One former player who witnessed a good program transition into a blueblood with his very eyes has sadly passed away. 

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have had a little bit of a downturn over recent years. At least relative to the mid-90s, when the school won 3 National titles in 4 years. That era under HC Tom Osborne really was a special time for the Big Red. The Huskers began this tryst with success and hardware before the first domino fell in 1994, edging closer and closer with conference titles before eventually winning the grand prize. Players from that time are etched in a special place in the hearts of the Huskers faithful. That includes David Noonan. A revered figure around Lincoln that’s gone way before his time in very tragic circumstances.

David Noonan played for the Huskers from 1989 to 1993. A nose tackle, he won multiple Big 8 championships under Osborne. Helping set the framework for what followed. Noonan was a Nebraska native himself and wore his hometown school’s colors with honor. After his time with the Cornhuskers from 1989 to 1993, he became the first-ever Director of Sports Performance at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), a role he held for nearly two decades. In this capacity, Noonan played a pivotal role in shaping the strength and conditioning programs for student-athletes, ensuring their physical and mental development. His dedication to athlete development was widely recognized, and his influence was felt across multiple sports.

On Sunday, March 30th, David Noonan was killed in a head-on collision with a semi-truck while driving his 2021 Subaru. He was merely 53 and died on impact. The driver of the semi-truck, meanwhile, did survive with what have been reported as minor injuries. The incident occurred in Cass County, NE. Noonan is survived by his wife, 3 kids, sister, and older brother, former NFL player Danny Noonan. Who expressed shock and grief in the aftermath of this travesty.

In addition to his contributions at UNO, Noonan also served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Omaha Lancers hockey team from 1996 to 2013. His impact on both football and hockey athletes was significant, with colleagues and former players remembering him as a mentor who pushed them to be their best.

Danny Noonan stated how the abrupt news only sank in a couple of days later. “I gave him lots of beat downs when he was a little boy, that’s for sure. He would tease me, and I would tease him,” he said about the deceased David Noonan. “You look at the hundreds of athletes that he’s coached, both on the football side, and the hockey side? I mean, he’s touched a lot of lives,” he added. David also served as the strength and conditioning coach on the Omaha Lancers hockey team for close to 20 years after his playing career.

Danny is right. The impact of this tragedy reverberated well beyond his immediate family. Over social media, tons of condolences and heartwarming messages poured in for David Noonan. After Huskers reporter Sean Callahan shared the news of X, the comments section and quotes spawned the following words of commiseration.

Social media reacts to the passing of David Noonan

“Oh gosh. Very sad. Prayers for the entire Noonan family,” wrote one person. Shock at the abruptness and manner of David Noonan’s passing was a theme within the outpouring of emotions. Another person said, “David was such a great man and Father!  May our Lord wrap his arms around him and his family!  Prayers for all!” 

“RIP to my friend,” read one message. While the identity of the person isn’t clear, their X profile suggests it’s a former teammate of David Noonan at Nebraska. “Very sad. Mavericks uncle I believe. RIP” said another. Indeed. Maverick Noonan, the son of the aforementioned Danny Noonan, is a current linebacker for the Huskers under Matt Rhule. “My heart, soul, and prayers go out to the Noonan family for peace and healing. David was a Husker through and through an amazing human being, and he will be missed. MLH&R to him and his family.  Godspeed David,” read another comment.

David Noonan’s family can perhaps take some solace from these messages as he receives his flowers from the world. We hope they are able to cope with this void left behind in their lives. The term gets thrown around loosely,  but Noonan really was a legend for Nebraska football. May he rest in peace.