UCLA and Nebraska Football teach us that, sometimes, there are more important things that touchdowns.
The morning of September 14, 2013, was supposed to be a happy event. After all, UCLA players, staff, and fans would get to experience yet another football game in a very promising season. Yet, the morning was filled with a deep sense of sorrow.
UCLA had just experienced an emotional week after losing UCLA receiver Nick Pasquale who died after being struck by a vehicle the previous Sunday. Still, young men were expected to come to the field, setting aside their own feelings of sadness and anger.
However, the scene that would unfold at the Lincoln Memorial Stadium surprised many heavy hearts. The Nebraska Huskers understood what the UCLA community was going through, and they were not afraid to take action.
The Huskers released blue and yellow balloons before the game, an unusual sight in a stadium usually overwhelmed by the color red. The Husker players also wore a decal of Pasquale’s #36 on their helmets, to honor the UCLA player.
UCLA would later come back from an 18-point deficit to defeat Nebraska 41-21. But this was one of those few times where the score wouldn’t matter. Instead, the entire UCLA community was incredibly touched by the class shown by the Great Big Red. Still today, when I meet a Huskers fan, I thank them for the kindness shown in a very difficult time for the Bruins.
Just over a week ago, the Husker community was hit with tragedy when punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in a car accident. The players were returning from a kicking camp held in Wisconsin.
UCLA HC Jim Mora called Mike Riley this week for Sam Foltz's family contact information to give to the family of late Bruin Nick Pasquale.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) July 31, 2016
After hearing about the news, sources reported that UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora contacted Nebraska Football Head Coach Mike Riley for Foltz’s family information to provide it to Nick Pasquale’s family. There is no question that the family still remembers the kind acts of the Huskers community in 2013. I sure do.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Foltz and Sadler families as they go through these difficult times.
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Go Bruins, Big Red, and Spartans!