Sure! Here’s a 900-word article based on your prompt about the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program announcing a bronze statue for their legendary quarterback:
Nebraska Cornhuskers to Erect Bronze Statue Honoring Legendary Quarterback
Lincoln, NE — June 8, 2025
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has announced plans to immortalize one of its most iconic athletes in bronze. A statue honoring legendary quarterback Tommy Frazier, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in college football history, will soon be erected outside Memorial Stadium. The university confirmed that work on the monument is scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, with completion expected by the start of the 2026 football season.
Frazier, who led the Cornhuskers to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995, remains a revered figure not only in Lincoln but across the entire college football landscape. His leadership, toughness, and game-breaking ability made him a symbol of the dominant Nebraska teams under head coach Tom Osborne.
A Fitting Tribute to a Storied Legacy
The statue is expected to capture Frazier in one of his most iconic poses—breaking free from would-be tacklers in the open field, reminiscent of his unforgettable 75-yard touchdown run against Florida in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl. That play, often cited as one of the greatest in college football history, encapsulated the grit and brilliance that defined Frazier’s career.
“Tommy Frazier changed the trajectory of Nebraska football,” said Athletic Director Troy Dannen during the announcement ceremony. “He was the heartbeat of our most dominant era, and this statue will stand as a permanent reminder of his legacy and the excellence he brought to our program.”
The bronze statue will be designed by nationally renowned sculptor Jane DeDecker, whose previous works include monuments honoring historical figures and sports legends alike. According to DeDecker, the sculpture aims to capture not just Frazier’s physical form, but the determination and competitive fire that made him unique.
“I want this piece to tell a story,” DeDecker said. “When fans walk by, they should feel the energy, the momentum, the invincibility that Tommy Frazier embodied on the field.”
More Than Just a Football Star
While Frazier’s accomplishments on the gridiron are well documented—career records, bowl victories, and an undefeated season among them—his influence extends far beyond statistics.
Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, Frazier was recruited to Nebraska at a time when the program was seeking a resurgence on the national stage. His commitment to the Cornhuskers signaled a shift, drawing national attention to Lincoln and paving the way for a pipeline of elite talent.
He finished his college career with a staggering 33–3 record as a starter and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 1995. Despite not winning the award, many fans and analysts argue that Frazier was the most deserving candidate, citing his performances in big games and his leadership under pressure.
After college, health issues related to blood clots ended his professional football aspirations prematurely. Nevertheless, Frazier remained involved in the sport and community, working as a coach, commentator, and motivational speaker.
Celebrating Nebraska’s Rich Football Tradition
The announcement of the statue comes during a broader effort by the university to celebrate its football heritage. Memorial Stadium, already home to tributes to coaching legends like Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne, will now feature one of its most beloved players.
“It’s about preserving history,” said Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett. “Tommy’s story is part of Nebraska’s story—of resilience, unity, and championship pursuit. This statue is not just for those who remember watching him play, but for future generations to learn about who he was and what he represented.”
The university is also planning a commemorative weekend to coincide with the statue’s unveiling in 2026. The event will include a reunion of the 1994 and 1995 national championship teams, alumni events, and a halftime ceremony during a home game that fall.
Fan Reactions and National Recognition
News of the statue has already generated considerable excitement among Nebraska fans. Social media was flooded with reactions ranging from nostalgic reflections on Frazier’s career to praise for the university’s decision to honor him.
“This is long overdue,” tweeted former teammate and NFL star Ahman Green. “No one did it like #15. Proud to call him a brother and even prouder to see him get the recognition he deserves.”
College football analysts have also weighed in, noting that the tribute reinforces Nebraska’s rich football tradition at a time when programs are increasingly looking to their past for inspiration and identity.
“Tommy Frazier is an all-time great,” said ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit. “There are very few players who dominated the way he did on the biggest stages. A statue is more than deserved—it’s necessary.”
Frazier’s Reaction: “Humbled and Honored”
Tommy Frazier himself was on hand for the announcement, visibly emotional as he addressed a crowd of former teammates, university officials, and local media.
“I never played for awards or recognition. I played for my teammates, my coaches, and the state of Nebraska,” Frazier said. “To be honored in this way, by a place I love so much, means more than I can put into words. I’m humbled and honored.”
He added that the statue isn’t just a tribute to him, but to every teammate who helped him succeed: “Football is a team sport. This statue is for the offensive linemen who blocked for me, the receivers who caught passes, the defense that gave us the ball back, and the coaches who believed in me.”
Looking Ahead
As Nebraska football continues its journey to return to national prominence, the statue of Tommy Frazier will stand as a beacon of the program’s storied past and a source of inspiration for the future.
Construction on the statue will begin in October 2025, with completion timed for the Huskers’ 2026 home opener. Until then, fans will eagerly await the day when they can stand face-to-face with a larger-than-life tribute to a quarterback who redefined greatness in college football.
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