Former Nebraska Cornhusker Matt Vrzal, a former offensive lineman and regular voice on Omaha sports radio, has died. He was 51. Vrzal was a walk on with the Cornhuskers in 1992, redshirting his first year before working his way into a role on two national championship teams.
He saw limited action during the 1994 title run, but in 1995 he became a steady contributor, appearing in all 12 games for one of the most dominant teams in college football history.
After his playing days, Vrzal built a career as both an entrepreneur and a coach. He owned several businesses in Lincoln before moving to Omaha, where he most recently operated Piezon’s Pizzeria. He also spent time as an assistant football coach at Omaha Skutt Catholic School and a regular on local sports radio and sports podcasts such as 1620 The Zone, and Hurrdat Sports.
Vrzal was remembered on 1620 The Zone this morning during the Gary & Matt show.
“This one will take a long time to figure out why. We’re all having trouble with this one,” said host Gary Sharp on 1620 The Zone. “Matty was one of a kind. He was one of one. There’s not enough word to describe Vrzal. He was genuine, sincere, loyal. He had a personality that would drive some crazy.”
His perspective as a former player combined with his candid, conversational style made him a respected and relatable voice for Husker fans.
“We lost our dear friend Matt Vrzal yesterday,” said Ravi Lulla, host of Hurrdat Sports Radio. “He was always kinder and better to me than he had to be, and had no reason to be. That’s pretty unusual in people. There was literally nothing that I could offer him but friendship, and occasionally buy pizza from him. Beneath his tough exterior, he was always kind and incredibly good to me. I’m not unique, that’s how he treated people.”
A Grand Island native, Vrzal was a standout prep lineman. He earned all-state honors from both the Lincoln Journal Star and the Omaha World-Herald, while also receiving honorable mention All-America recognition from USA Today. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.
In his senior season at Nebraska in 1996, Vrzal played behind Aaron Taylor and Josh Heskew, helping the Huskers finish 11-2 with an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech. He also earned recognition off the field, landing on the Phillips 66 Academic Honor Roll in 1995 and the Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Semester Honor Roll in 1996.
The news of his passing has rippled through both the Nebraska football community and the Omaha media landscape. Former teammates, colleagues, and listeners have shared tributes highlighting his sense of humor, sharp insights, and deep love for the Huskers.
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