Reflecting on what was supposed to be Husker Gameday

86,000 seats will remain empty in Memorial Stadium today.

Parking lots packed with curbside grills and tailgating will have plenty of room. Downtown businesses full of laughter and excitement will struggle to stay on budget. The roar of crowds and blaring trumpets replaced with a subtle breeze. Today was supposed to be Gameday in Lincoln.

I can’t help but mourn the postponement of Husker football. I grew up inspired by this program and the ideals it instilled. This sport taught me that getting knocked down is an unavoidable part of life and should be embraced. That comebacks are real and your past does not define you. That we have a duty to fight and raise up those less fortunate than us. Football is the epitome of teamwork. A group of people with different backgrounds, opinions, and cultures working toward a common goal. Football is entertaining, enkindling, and powerful. It just doesn’t feel right to be missing that today.

While it hurts to see those 86,000 empty seats on what was supposed to be gameday, I remember the 190,000 Americans that have lost their lives over the past six months. This preventable, unimaginable loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is sobering. I understand there are bigger issues than college football and that I’m lucky my impacts are temporary. That doesn’t mean I can’t also mourn the loss of tradition.

Today’s unusual silence is a good time to reflect on those principles. In all kinds of weather. #GBR

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