Jeff Sims says he is motivated by his family

There are plenty of things that can motivate college athletes to do what they do and compete at the level at which they compete. For Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Jeff Sims, it is his family that motivates him to be the best he can be, week in and week out. Recently, the Cornhuskers starting quarterback spoke about how his family motivates him and why seeing them drives him to go even harder.

“My family,” said Sims. “My biggest reason why I do this is my family. I love my family, and they’ve put a lot into me. And I love the game of football; they love the game of football. Anytime I see them because I come from a family of hard workers; anytime I see them, it motivates me to go even harder. I mean, just being the guy that can take our family to the next level. That’s something that’s big for me.”

At Nebraska, Sims will get a fresh start under first-year head coach Matt Rhule. The former Georgia Tech quarterback transferred to Lincoln over the offseason and competed for the starting quarterback position with no guarantee that he would win the spot. Ultimately, during spring practices, Sims impressed Rhule, beating out a number of candidates, including last year’s starter Casey Thompson.

Sims has the opportunity to provide his family with generational wealth if he is able to make it to the NFL. But first, he must put all his effort into being the best quarterback he can for Nebraska and possibly leave them further than they have gotten in recent history.

Sims shares key to earning success back for Nebraska

Sims also talked about Nebraska’s struggles over the past few seasons and how he can help turn the program around. The Cornhuskers have not been viewed as much of a threat since their powerhouse days in the 90s. Even worse, in recent history, they have become one of the lower-rung football programs of the Big Ten, failing to qualify for a bowl game since the 2016 season.

But Rhule and Sims are looking to change the perception of the Cornhuskers football program and do it fast. They can achieve that this year by playing for one another, according to their quarterback.

“We just gotta go out there and play for each other,” said Sims. “We can’t worry about what other people think. We can’t worry about outside noises. We gotta go out there and build the brotherhood and come together as a team. And we just gotta go out there and put it all on the line for our brothers.”

But does Simms believe that this goal is obtainable for the Cornhuskers in the near future? He put it simply:

“Yes.”