[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING JOHNNY ``THE JET'' RODGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, in honor of African American History Month, 
we recognize a leader who has helped people of all ages thrive in 
sports, education, and life. North Omaha's and Nebraska's Johnny ``the 
Jet'' Rodgers is more than a sports legend; he is a community champion.
  Johnny became known as ``the Jet'' because of his speed and agility. 
Even in his teenage years, participating in football, track, and 
basketball, the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame described Johnny's 
performance as ``nothing short of legendary.'' He would go on to 
establish an incredible football career as a punt returner, pass 
receiver, and running back at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  On his way to winning the Heisman in 1972, Johnny set an all-purpose 
5,586-yard NCAA record; 72 yards were attributed to a punt return 
during the ``Game of the Century'' between Nebraska and Oklahoma in 
1971. Not only did this gain him national acclaim, but College Football 
News and former coach Tom Osborne would go on to recognize Johnny as 
one of the best kick returners in college football history. He would 
later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame after a 
professional career in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers and the 
Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes.
  When he returned to his hometown, he began building a legacy as an 
entrepreneur and community leader. While mentoring and teaching life 
skills to young athletes, Johnny served as the President of the 100 
Black Men of Omaha and began the prestigious ``Jet Award'' honoring the 
best return specialist in NCAA Division 1 college football, all while 
creating the Johnny Rodgers Career and Technical Scholarship--serving 
students from ages 18 to 62, emphasizing thevalue and accessibility in 
education.
  Beyond his commitment to education is his belief in representation. 
Johnny and I have had the honor of working together to achieve one of 
the country's highest response rates to the Decennial U.S. Census. 
Johnny lent his time and community connections to advocate for a 
complete and detailed census where ``Everybody Counts.''
  On and off the field, Johnny has continued to accelerate and elevate 
his community. We thank him for his dedication to his hometown and his 
willingness to lead. On behalf of our Omaha community, I thank my 
friend for his leadership and service to our community.

                          ____________________