Rodgers' return vs. Oklahoma still resonates 50 years later
FILE - In this Thanksgiving Day 1971 file photo, Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers (20) returns a punt for a touchdown as teammate Joe Blahak (27) delivers a block in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Norman, Okla. The game, which Nebraska won 35-31, is widely remembered as "The Game of the Century." Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (Bob Gorham/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

FILE - In this Thanksgiving Day 1971 file photo, Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers (20) returns a punt for a touchdown as teammate Joe Blahak (27) delivers a block in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Norman, Okla. The game, which Nebraska won 35-31, is widely remembered as "The Game of the Century." Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (Bob Gorham/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

Sep. 12, 2021 06:01 AM EDT
FILE - In this Tuesday, March 27, 2012, file photo, a new award to honor college football's top return specialist is announced by 1972 Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers at a news conference in Omaha, Neb. The Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers Award is named for Rodgers, who is widely regarded as one of the top punt and kick returners in college football history. Rodgers’ electrifying 72-yard punt return for a touchdown was the signature play of a rare game that lived up to “Game of the Century” billing, helping No. 1 Nebraska defeat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in the 1971 classic. Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 27, 2012, file photo, a new award to honor college football's top return specialist is announced by 1972 Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers at a news conference in Omaha, Neb. The Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers Award is named for Rodgers, who is widely regarded as one of the top punt and kick returners in college football history. Rodgers’ electrifying 72-yard punt return for a touchdown was the signature play of a rare game that lived up to “Game of the Century” billing, helping No. 1 Nebraska defeat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in the 1971 classic. Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

Sep. 12, 2021 06:00 AM EDT