A Legendary Nebraska Cornhusker gets inducted into Nebraska Prairie Museum

A Nebraska Football Superstar will be inducted into the Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdredge this Friday the 14th of June at 7 pm.

Joy T. Berquist (Teddie), played Lineman for the University of Nebraska from 1921-1923. He has been described as one of the most powerful men ever to play on the line for the Huskers.

Like our current large framed lineman, Nash Hutmacher, Teddie also wrestled as a heavyweight. One person recounted that the team didn’t have anyone to wrestle at heavyweight so Teddie volunteered. Not knowing much about the sport, in his first match he lunged for his opponent, lifted him in the air and just threw him as far as he could. His shorts came loose and he tried to fend off his opponent with one hand while holding up his shorts with the other.

While at Lincoln, Berquist received his law degree. He began his law career in Lexington Nebraska all the while playing for the Kansas City Blues in 1924. In 1925, he got married in Lincoln. Then soon after, in April of 1926, he filed to become County Attorney of Dawson County and would serve as County Judge in the latter part of his life. Berquist also played football for the Kansas City Cowboys in 1926, where he was selected as a second team All-Pro. Then, finally finishing his football career for the Chicago Cardinals in 1927.

A life which began humbly on a small farm in Phelps County and ended to soon from a heart attack at age 40, his was marked with extraordinary accomplishments and honor. Coach Henry Schulte described his character as a solid citizen, physically, mentally and morally. What more would you expect from a former legendary Nebraska Cornhusker?