Nebraska running back Rahmir Johnson hopes to end his career with a strong effort in front of dozens of friends and family.
When the bowl projections started to narrow in on a pairing of Nebraska in New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl, senior running back Rahmir Johnson let his family know there was a chance he’d be home for Christmas.
«When it was official, I let them know ASAP and everybody’s just ecstatic now,» Johnson said this week.
For the senior running back, the hard work has now only just begun — how to find enough tickets to get family, friends, former coaches and others into Yankee Stadium for his final game as a Husker.
Johnson guessed he’d probably have a group of 50 to 75 people there rooting for him when Nebraska takes on Boston College.
«I’m going to try to get as much as I can, and I told them we might have other buy tickets in advance if I can’t get everybody,» Johnson said. «People are gonna come no matter what if I can get them tickets or not. Friends I grew up with high school coaches, youth football coaches. It’s going to be a lot.»
Johnson grew up in Harlem, just over the bridge from Yankee Stadium.
«Like 10 minutes depending on the day, basically,» he said.
The week leading up to Johnson’s final game as a Husker will also likely consist of plenty of playing tour guide for his teammates. He said he has some food spots in mind and hopes to get home for Christmas if the bowl schedule allows.
Johnson’s family moved to Brooklyn before he started high school, and he made the two hour trip each way from New York City to New Jersey where he starred at Bergen Catholic. The daily trip started at 4:30 a.m. and ended well after dark.
Johnson said he was happy to have a full-circle type moment, playing his final game as a Husker in his home city.
«Hopefully I can put on a great performance for my last game,» he said.
A solid performance in his final game would also help to wash the feeling of a season that has once again been impacted by injuries. Johnson missed most of last season and returned to Nebraska hoping for a year of good health and production on the field.
This season, Johnson has appeared in nine games with two starts. He has carried the ball 45 times for 201 yards while adding 20 catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.
«The first thing I said before fall camp was I just want to stay healthy and I didn’t cross that box off,» Johnson said. «I missed a few games, but when I was playing I did some things. I thought it was good. I could have been better, but we all don’t get what we want at times, but I’m just glad I get to end it in New York City, so that’s what I’m looking forward to most.»