Cole Pensick Left a Legacy On and Off the Field

Former Nebraska lineman died at age 32 in a car crash over the weekend

Photo by Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

I first met Cole about six years ago at an event for military veterans and their families (Husker Fans Salute The Troops). I had called him a few weeks before to see if he would like to join a bunch of other former Husker players for an autograph session at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Cole was living in Columbus, Nebraska at the time. I wasn't sure if he would want to get up that early on a Saturday morning and drive to Lincoln for an 8:30 a.m. session.

Not to worry. He was there on time. I came to learn that if Cole said he was going to do something, he would do it. He went on to attend a number of Salute events, including the annual summer Salute golf scrambles

Whenever I would talk about Cole to other people, I would usually say, "He's such a nice kid!" And he was. Through the years, we had many conversations. We talked politics, current events and, of course, Husker football.

Before I met Cole, I always told Mike "Red" Beran (former Husker O-lineman) that he (Mike) was my favorite #62 former Husker football player. Then along came Matt Hoskinson and later Cole (both wore #62 jerseys). So what's a guy to do? A couple of years ago I took a picture of them and said that beginning now, there was a three-way tie for first place!

Matt Hoskinson - Mike "Red" Beran - Cole Pensick / Dan McGlynn

Last year, Cole was a guest on one of our How ’Bout Them Huskers podcasts. In honor of him, we have reposted that episode. You can hear Cole in his own words.

Cole may have worn a #62 jersey, but he will forever remain #1 in our hearts.

Rest in peace, my friend.

How ’Bout Them Huskers

This week's podcast was recorded last week on Good Friday and is an interview grandson Will and I did with former Husker defensive tackle Jeremy Slechta. Jeremy played for the Huskers from 1998-2001. During that time, the Huskers posted a 42-9 record and went to four bowl games. The 1999 team was the last great Husker football team. The Huskers went 12-1 and finished #2 in the nation that year. In 2001, Nebraska played Miami in the Rose Bowl for the national championship.

Jeremy tells a funny story about the time he was in Coach Osborne's office and was offered a scholarship to play for Nebraska. The ensuing conversation between the two is a classic.

Jeremy also talks about playing in the NFL (Philadelphia Eagles and the Houston Texans) and how he actually returned a couple of kicks during his time in the league. At 6-6 and 280, tackling him must have been an adventure!