Matt Rhule expresses condolences to Nebraska tornado victims

The state of Nebraska was hit by two outbreaks of tornadoes that left several dead, dozens more injured, and homes destroyed in their wake. It was a devastating natural disaster that was felt throughout the state and by head coach Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program.

Following the program’s Spring Game, Rhule held up a shirt for the victims and expressed his condolences for the victims of the tornadoes in Nebraska.

“Our athletic department is supporting the tornado victims,” Matt Rhule said. “So, I didn’t put it [shirt] on. I just wanted to make sure that on behalf of our team and all of our staff and families, everyone affected, my neighbors, your neighbors, just wanted to express our gratitude for all the people that came to help, and knowing that everyone in the state is going to help moving forward. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected.”

The first of the tornadoes that hit the state of Nebraska was on April 26th. That day, the state was hit by nine tornadoes. Along with Nebraska, the states of Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado all suffered through storms.

The shirt that Matt Rhule held up was part of how the program is working to help the victims of those tornadoes. The athletic department released an apparel line called “Nebraska Together,” which will be sending the proceeds to the Red Cross to help relief efforts from the storms.

Athletic director Troy Dannen shared why this was important for the Nebraska athletic department to do.

“One thing I know growing up in the Midwest is neighbors are always willing to help neighbors,” Troy Dannen said. “This is a great time to rally for those in need. We are happy to play a small part in assisting Nebraskans through this difficult time.”

The shirt is available in red or white and has the Nebraska logo on it, with the word “together” going across the chest. The shirt then uses the word together to further the message, with smaller text around the word saying, “We’ll all stick together in all kinds of weather.”

This isn’t the first time the Nebraska athletics department has raised money for relief. In 2019, the program raised around $75,000 to support those who had been impacted by floods in the state. Now, the goal for the “Nebraska Together” apparel line is to have a similar ability to raise funds for those impacted by the tornadoes.