THE NEBRASKA 100

When it came time in practice for the Houston Oilers to run sprints, defensive end Ed Husmann usually found himself at the back of the pack. "I wasn't that fast," he says modestly. But during the opening kickoff of games, Husmann usually was the first Oiler down the field to break the wedge. It's called game speed. When it was time to play, Husmann was more than fast enough.

"I just loved to play," the 74-year-old said from his home in Conroe, Texas, where he lives with Donna, his wife of 53 years. "I'd still like to play."

One would think Husmann had had enough during a pro career that spanned 14 seasons, broken up by a two-year stint in the Army. In college at Nebraska he was named the most valuable senior as a defensive lineman in 1952. He won a Big Seven wrestling crown the same year.

Husmann began his career with the then-Chicago Cardinals in 1953. He signed a contract with the expansion Dallas Cowboys in their inaugural season of 1960, playing one season for legendary Cowboys coach Tom Landry.

Husmann's next professional stop would be his most successful. He signed a contract in 1961 with the Oilers of the AFL, who won the AFL championship game.

That season was the first of three Pro Bowl selections for Husmann, who turned into one of the best defensive line players in the AFL. He still is tied for the Oilers/Tennessee Titans single-game sack record with four.

Buffalo Bills offensive guard Billy Shaw called Hussman the most competitive player he ever met, noting, "Late in the game, some guys go full speed every other time. Husmann hits every play."

-- Josh Hoover and Thad Livingston