Husker legend Johnny Rodgers in hospital with COVID-19

Husker Football Letterman’s Association says Rodgers is in hospital with COVID-19, but is "making a turn for the better."

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) – According to Husker Football Letterman’s Association, Husker legend Johnny Rodgers, 70, is in the hospital with COVID-19.

HFLA president George Achola tells Channel 8 that while he has not spoken directly with Rodgers, the Husker great is “making a turn for the better.”

Nicknamed “The Jet,” Rodgers was one of the most electrifying players in the history of college football. Nebraska’s first Heisman Trophy winner, Rodgers was also named the Walter Camp Player of the Year in 1972. A two-time first-team All-American, Rodgers ended his career with NCAA career records for all-purpose yards (5,487), punt return touchdowns (7), kick return touchdowns (9) and yards per touch (13.8). He set more than 40 school records at Nebraska.

Rodgers helped Nebraska to a 32-2-2 record in his three seasons, including back-to-back national championships in 1970 and 1971. He was a 2000 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.