As a player at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Rodgers served as a punt return specialist, pass receiver, and running back.
[2] In 1971, in what has become known as college football's "Game of the Century," Rodgers returned a punt 72 yards to score the first touchdown which set the tone for his team's 35–31 victory over the University of Oklahoma.
However, some observers consider his greatest single performance to be in the 1973 Orange Bowl when he led his team to a 40–6 victory over Notre Dame.
[1] Although a 1973 first-round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers, Rodgers signed a three-year contract in excess of $100,000 annually to play with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes on May 24.
"[9] Always a fan favorite who was affectionately known as the "ordinary superstar" (a nickname he coined), Rodgers won the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 1973.
Rodgers was one of six Nebraska Cornhuskers on this All-Century Team 85 man roster; the others being Rich Glover, Dave Rimington, Dean Steinkuhler, Tommie Frazier and Aaron Taylor.
Other receivers selected were Fred Biletnikoff, Tim Brown, Bernie Oosterbaan, Larry Kelley, Raghib Ismail, Don Hutson, Howard Twilley and Keith Jackson.
Rodgers was one of six Nebraska Cornhuskers selected to this 83 man roster; the others being Rimington, Steinkuhler, Will Shields, Frazier and Taylor.
In 2000 Johnny Rodgers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and was also voted the "Most Valuable Player" in the history of the Big Eight.
[2] Today, Rodgers is a businessman in Omaha, Nebraska, where he operates a sports marketing company and bedding products manufacturer.
[10] Rodgers has also authored a book entitled An Era of Greatness about the University of Nebraska football team during his playing days.