Terence Crawford mentioned that leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers onto the field felt just like walking from his dressing room to the boxing ring for a world championship fight.
However, last Saturday night, instead of entering a boxing ring, Crawford was guiding the team from their locker room to the field for the Tunnel Walk before their 28-10 victory over Colorado.
“It was electrifying,” the undefeated four-division world champion told The Associated Press. “I felt nervous and then excited. I was really pumped. Walking out of the tunnel felt like I was about to fight. I kept telling the team, ‘We’re doing this together. I’m with you every step of the way.’”
Crawford, a lifelong resident of Omaha and a devoted Nebraska sports fan, wanted to be at the game due to all the excitement around the match against Colorado.
He had one of his assistants contact coach Matt Rhule to see if he could meet the team before the game.
Crawford said he spent a few hours with the coach and players on Friday night and was with them in the locker room before and after the game. Rhule invited him to speak to the team and lead the Tunnel Walk.
“I told them that many people were doubting them, but they are talented and need to believe in themselves, hold each other accountable, and maintain high standards,” Crawford said. “I just told them they were the better team and that they should use the Buffs as a stepping stone, hitting hard from the first play to the last.”
Rhule noted that the players seemed to really connect with Crawford’s message.
“I think Bud Crawford could say something I’ve said a hundred times, and it would resonate more because it’s coming from him,” Rhule said. “He had a significant impact on the game this week.”
