Former Husker Football Star Rick Czap Receives Nebraska Greats Foundation Grant
At the Nebraska Greats Foundation, we know firsthand the power that Huskers football has in our community and how it can bring families, friends, and people together.
We also know that this strong bond between Nebraska citizens couldn’t be achieved without the hard work and determination of all of our athletes.
That’s why we are proud to announce that, once again, thanks to your help, we are able to assist former Husker football star Rick Czap.
We couldn’t be prouder to give back to this amazing sports community and the families and athletes that conform to it; thanks to the resilience and endurance of athletes like Rick, we have become a better society.
Former Husker Football Athlete Rick Czap
Born on December 7, 1943. Rick Czap is a Cornhusker who played from 1964 to 1966 as a defensive tackle in esteemed games such as the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
He was a two-time league champion in the shot put and an undefeated state champion wrestler at Bay City Central.
He was an NFL draft pick, and while Rick never played in the NFL, he did compete briefly in the CFL.
In 2002, he was inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame.
Despite their impressive football career, injuries are bound to happen. But he endures them all and continues his professional path.
Now, years later, while Rick is struggling with different kinds of health difficulties, like needing daily assistance with bathing and dressing, his spirit is unwavering, and he embodies the strength and resilience that characterized his time on the field.
Rick Czap’s Condition
At the age of 80, Rick has been navigating through a series of health adversities, including spinal complications that have required multiple surgeries and daily usage of a wheelchair.
However, these challenges have not diminished his spirit.
Life threw another curveball at him when Hurricane Ian roared through his Florida home, leaving him without many of his belongings, including his dentures. Yet, Rick remains resilient in the face of adversity.
His current hospitalization and reliance on oxygen have made communication with those beyond his immediate circle a bit more challenging.
However, his close friends have stepped forward to help bridge this communication gap, make him feel more comfortable, and help him get better.
How The Nebraska Greats Foundation Served This Husker Football Star
We know how discouraging health conditions can be, especially for athletes who rely on their physical strength throughout their careers.
The good news is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and health conditions are just part of the journey.
With your help, the Nebraska Greats Foundation has approved a grant to provide Rick with a new scooter and dentures, aiming to improve his mobility and quality of life.
Our actions are guided by the foundation’s mission, which is to provide unwavering support and uphold the dignity of Nebraska’s sporting legends. The gesture towards Rick is a testament to this commitment.
We believe that every athlete deserves respect and support, especially when facing health challenges.
Our goal is to ensure that these greats continue to live fulfilling lives, and we’re proud to play a part in Rick’s journey toward improved health and well-being.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
-Said Rick
Husker, Football, and The Nebraska Greats Foundation
For ten years now, the foundation has been serving athletes from the 16 colleges and universities in Nebraska. Our mission is to stand by our athletes, just like we did for Taylor in her times of need.
We have helped over 35 athletes from different universities and over 20 from UNL. We are committed to offering support to even more athletes like Rick, guiding them on their journey toward recovery.
The UNL sports team holds a significant place in the heart of Nebraska. Its influence extends beyond the sports arena, shaping our community and fostering unity.
We take immense pride in being able to contribute to the development and well-being of the exceptional talents that make up this esteemed institution.
Our actions are guided by a deep-seated belief that every athlete deserves a fighting chance, regardless of the challenges they face. Through our efforts, we aim to uphold the dignity of these athletes, ensuring they continue to inspire us on and off the field.
The story of the NGF is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Nebraska’s athletes. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission, ready to lend our support to the next generation of greats.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation
We believe that every individual and organization has a role to play in empowering athletes and enriching our community.
The Nebraska Greats Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to former athletes and ex-athletes from Nebraska’s colleges and universities who face medical challenges.
Thanks to this support, we can alleviate some of the mental health issues that Nebraska athletes are going through during their recovery process.
If you know of an athlete friend or family member who needs access to specific treatments and services, let us know to potentially alleviate some of the stress associated with managing these conditions.
With your help, we can make the Nebraska sports scene a safer place for our community athletes. Wondering how to help? Donate today or reach out to us. Most donations are tax-deductible.
