Can it really be ten years ago today that this exceptional young man died north of Lincoln? Man, how the years go by.
Brook Berringer was one of the most remarkable people in the history of the University of Nebraska - and he would have been even if he'd never suited up in Cornhusker scarlet & cream.
The Omaha World-Herald has done two great articles about Brook. The first is the story of Brook's death and how it has affected people, those who knew him personally and those who only knew about him. The second is Tom Shatel's column about what life should have had in store for Brook. (Word to the wise - you'll need to register with the OWH to read the stories. It's free, and IMHO the stories are worth it.)
What memories - I will never forget the 1994 Colorado game, when Brook faked option right, dropped back, and threw a picture perfect pass to our tight end (Eric Alford? Can't remember) for a touchdown. I hadn't seen anyone come close to matching Berringer's passing ability until Zach Taylor started whipping around passes in the MidWest Coast offense.
He wasn't the luckiest quarterback in Nebraska history, having to compete for the starting job with Tommie Frazier, one of the best option quarterbacks ever (who should have earned the 1995 Heisman, but that's another entry). He wasn't the prettiest, either. Watching Berringer run an option play was a lot like watching sausage being made; you might like the outcome, but you don't want to see it actually happening. But when it comes to personality, service, spirit and depth of character, I've yet to see a Cornhusker who had more than Brook Berringer.
RIP,
Scott
Just got done reading the articles you mentioned. Both almost brought tears to my eyes. Hard to believe it was 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what made me google Brook's name today; I now live in Fla. and was looking to see when the USC v. Nebraska game was on tomorrow and though of him. I was at the Orange Bowl in Miami when we won in the last 8 minutes of the game. What a devastating loss when he died, but I love the quote from his mom "he's been drafted to a highter team." Thanks for the memories Brook. - SC
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