Sideline notes: Nebraska welcomes newest football hall of fame members
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LINCOLN — When Prince Amukamara learned in July he was going to be joining Nebraska football royalty, he felt a sense of relief.
After winning Big 12 defensive player of the year honors in 2010, the first-team All-America cornerback went on to start 99 NFL games and won a Super Bowl championship.
And on Saturday, Amukamara was one of six former Huskers and two state college players introduced at Memorial Stadium before Saturday’s kickoff as members of the 2022 Class of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.
“I’m super speechless,” Amukamara said. “To be in great company with the guys before me, (Mike) Rozier, (Eric) Crouch, (Johnny) Rodgers, all those guys. I’m just happy that the work I did here didn’t go in vain. I’m really happy to have received this honor.
“It’s definitely a legacy for me and my family.”
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The other Nebraska honorees were defensive back Ric Lindquist (1980s), cornerback Bruce Pickens (1990s), All-America offensive guard Toniu Fonoti (2000-06), offensive tackle Ron McDole and linebacker Lee Kunz. Former UNK coach Darrell Morris and Concordia All-America tight end Ross Wurdeman were the state college selections.
Amukamara said it has been five years since he has been back to Memorial Stadium. The primary reason for so much time between visits is because Amukamara has been working fall weekends.
“I’m excited to be back,” Amukamara said. “I was expecting a little more rain, but I’m happy about that.”
Amukamara was the No. 19 overall pick in the 2011 draft by the New York Giants, who he played five seasons and won a Super Bowl with before signing with Jacksonville for the 2016 season.
The next three seasons, Amukamara played for the Chicago Bears. After being released by the Bears on Feb. 21, 2020, Amukamara was signed and released from the practice squads of the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
While he signed with New Orleans in August 2021, Amukamara was released 15 days later. Amukamara said Saturday that he is still available this season, should an NFL team need an experienced defensive back.
“I’m not done yet,” Amukamara said. “I’m still active this year. We’ll see what happens this year. Still in Arizona, still working out, being a father, being a husband.”
Amukamara told the Hall of Fame banquet crowd Friday night that he had four special memories from his time as a Husker: Three individual plays — two by other Huskers — and the 38-0 win over Arizona and future Super Bowl champion quarterback Nick Foles in the 2009 Holiday Bowl.
“There was that play where (Ndamukong) Suh threw the Baylor guy down by his head and the referee said he just tackled him too hard,” Amukamara said. “There was my pick against OU (in 2009), then Alex Henery’s 50-something-yard kick against Colorado. I’ve never heard a stadium that loud.”
That interception against Oklahoma set up the lone touchdown in a 10-3 Nebraska victory. Henery’s fourth-quarter field goal was 57 yards, leading the Huskers to earn a come-from-behind victory over the Buffaloes.
While Amukamara hadn’t been to Lincoln in five years, it was longer between trips for Fonoti.
When asked when he last was at a Husker game, Fonoti’s sheepish reply: “2004.” And he was glad to return for the Hall honor.
“The top, this is it,” Fonoti said. “Even All-American. There are a lot of other guys who made it that have done what I’ve done, but for them to pick me is a big honor for me.
“It’s Nebraska, man. They’re putting out O-linemen like crazy, and to be picked and given this honor, it’s up there.”
Fonoti, who lives in Salt Lake City, was enjoying seeing all the fans dressed in red moving toward their seats, just like they did when he played for the Huskers from 1999 to 2001. A few things also brought back some fond memories.
“It’s like watching the fire before the storm,” Fonoti said. “Seeing my locker room, and then coming out here. There’s nothing like our entrance. I thought our entrance (Tunnel Walk) was the best in all of college football.
“The people, they still love you and embrace you. That takes it up to another level.”
In Fonoti’s senior season, he helped clear paths that eventually led Crouch to a Heisman Trophy winner. He set a school record with 379 pancake blocks, did not allow a sack and was not flagged for a penalty the entire season.
Fonoti was drafted 39th overall in the second round of the 2002 draft by the San Diego Chargers. He also played for Minnesota and Miami.
While it took Fonoti 18 years to return to Memorial Stadium, he said plans are already in place to make sure his next trip to Lincoln happens before 2040.
“I’m going to try to come back at least twice a year, make sure I come back for the spring game,” Fonoti said. “I’m going to be back for either the Indiana or Minnesota game later this season.”
Photos: Nebraska takes on Georgia Southern
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson scores on a two-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton catches a 10-yard pass on front of Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White catches a 14-yard pass as Garrett Nelson defends at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Trey Palmer can’t catch up to this second quarter pass as he races Georgia Southern’s NaJee Thompson at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraskan’s Oliver Martin catches a 26-yard pass in the second quarter in front of Georgia Southern’s Seth Robertson at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Brody Belt catches a 21-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to tie the game at 14 against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White scores a first quarter touchdown against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford tackles Georgia Southern’s Amare Jones in the first half at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple, left, and ?Head Coach Scott Frost talk in the first half against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson looks for an open receiver before being sacked by Georgia Southern’s Anthony Wilson, right, in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White scores his team’s second touchdown o na 26-yard run in the first quarter against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost talks with an official in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Kyle Vantrease (6) passes the ball in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Sam Kenerson (0) is carted off the field after an injury in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost crouches on the sideline during the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Gerald Green (4) rushes in for a touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Luke Reimer (28) gets his arms around Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton (1) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Colton Feist (82) deflects a pass by Georgia Southern’s Kyle Vantrease (6) while being blocked by Georgia Southern’s Khalil Crowder (72) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) runs in for a touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Marques Buford Jr. (1) makes a catch fo an interception in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6) can’t prevent Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton (1) from making a catch in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Gerald Green (4) rushes in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill reacts to be called for pass interference in the first quarter against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini punts for 55 yards in the first quarter against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome reacts to be called for pass interference on a pass thrown to Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White runs in for a touchdown during their game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill reacts after Georgia Southern scored a touchdown during their game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Derwin Burgess Jr. makes a catch ahead of Nebraska’s Tommi Hill during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson is greeted by Chancellor Brewington after scoring a first quarter touchdown against Georgia Southern during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson runs against Georgia Southern during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White celebrates a first quarter touchdown against Nebraska during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Nebraska’s Scott Frost looks on during the first quarter against Georgia Southern during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Nebraska’s Alante Brown is upended by Georgia Southern’s Derrick Canteen during their game on Saturday in Lincoln.
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Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton winces on the field after getting hurt making a catch late int he second quarter against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Jaeden Gould (8) brings down brings down Derwin Burgess Jr. (2) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Amare Jones (5) is brought down by Nebraska’s Luke Reimer (28) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) rushes in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) rushes in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) celebrates a touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches a replay in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (0) gets a hand on Georgia Southern’s Derwin Burgess Jr. (2) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Jalen White (25) celebrates a touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Ron Brown, a Nebraska senior offensive analyst, watches a replay in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (7) runs with the ball in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple watches his team from the sideline in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (10) rushes in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6) brings down Georgia Southern’s Jeremy Singleton (1) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska fans cheer during the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (0) walks off the field after a Georgia Southern touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska fans watch the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska fans celebrate a touchdown by Nebraska’s Brody Belt (32) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Marques Buford Jr. (1) celebrates an interception with teammates in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Anthony Wilson (12) celebrates a play in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Gerald Green (4) rushes in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Jaeden Gould (8), Ernest Hausmann (15) and Caleb Tannor (2) watch a replay in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Georgia Southern’s Gerald Green (4) rushes in for a touchdown in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Travis Vokolek (82) high-fives teammates during the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (3) makes a catch ahead of Georgia Southern’s Wylan Free (5) in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska defensive line/edge coach Mike Dawson talks with players during a break in the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple walks off the field following the first half of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska takes the field for the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Omar Manning (5) warms up ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska takes the field for warm ups ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Fans take a photo ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Travis Vokolek (83) isn’t suited up ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) warms up ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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The Nebraska marching band takes the field ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Fans wait for the Huskers ahead of the Georgia Southern vs. Nebraska football game in Lincoln on Saturday.
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Former Nebraska players Toniu Fonoti, left, and Prince Amukamara speak before being introduced as a 2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame member before the game against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Prince Amukamara throws the bones while being introduced as a 2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame member before the game against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Former Nebraska players Toniu Fonoti, left, shakes hands with Athletic Director Trev Alberts after introduced as a 2022 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame member before the game against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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A fan waits near the Husker Legacy Statue before the game against Georgia Southern outside of Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Austin Brown (right) and Oliver Linn play football before the game against Georgia Southern outside of Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Ryker Williams high-fives players as they participate in the Unity Walk before the game against Georgia Southern outside of Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Students line up before the game against Georgia Southern outside of Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Season ticket holders Laura Buchman, left, and her husband Ed Duncklee wait on the start of the Nebraska and Georgia Southern outside of Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Season-ticket holder Laura Buchman shows off her Nebraska hat that she got in 1972, before the Nebraska and Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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Fans make their way to Memorial Stadium before the Nebraska and Georgia Southern at on Saturday.
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Fans make their way to Memorial Stadium before the Nebraska and Georgia Southern at on Saturday.
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The Cornhusker Marching Band makes their way to Memorial Stadium before the Nebraska and Georgia Southern game on Saturday.
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Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost acknowledges fans during the Unity Walk before their game against Georgia Southern at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
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