In celebration of 100 years of naming All-American teams in football, the Associated Press named its all-time All American teams. Two Huskers were named to the squad: all-purpose contributor Johnny Rodgers and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
Rodgers won the 1972 Heisman Trophy while helping Nebraska to its first two national championships in 1970 and 1971. A dynamic wide receiver and returner, Rodgers’ signature punt return in the 1971 Game of the Century matchup with Oklahoma remains one of college football’s greatest highlights.
Suh won the Lombardi, Outland, Bednarik and Nagurski Awards during his dominant 2009 season. One of the few defensive players to earn Heisman finalist recognition, Suh piled up 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks leading the Huskers to a Big 12 North championship.
Ohio State and Pittsburgh had the most players on the team with three each. Players had to be named to the AP’s first-team All-America teams to be considered.
First team offense
Wide receivers – Randy Moss, Marshall, 1997; Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, 2003
Tackles – Orlando Pace, Ohio State, 1995-96; Bill Fralic, Pittsburgh, 1982-84
Guards – John Hannah, Alabama, 1972; Jim Parker, Ohio State, 1956
Center – Chuck Bednarik, Penn, 1947-48
Tight end – Brock Bowers, Georgia, 2023
QB – Tim Tebow, Florida, 2007
Running backs – Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988; Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1980-82
Kicker – Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State, 1998-99
All-purpose – Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska, 1972
First team defense
Ends – Hugh Green, Pittsburgh, 1978-80; Randy White, Maryland, 1974
Tackles – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, 2009; Bronko Nagurski, Minnesota, 1929
Linebackers – Dick Butkus, Illinois, 1964; Derrick Thomas, Alabama, 1988; Chris Spielman, Ohio State, 1986-87
Cornerbacks – Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1996-97; Deion Sanders, Florida State, 1987-88
Safeties – Ronnie Lott, USC, 1980; Ed Reed, Miami, 2000-01
Punter – Tory Taylor, Iowa, 2023