Former Nebraska Cornhuskers Player Tragically Passes Away; Cause of Sudden Death Unspecified

Former Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Kenny Wilson’s death was announced by family via social media Friday.

Wilson committed to the Huskers in 2005 and played from 2006 to 2008. Before committing to Nebraska he graduated from Butler County Community College. His promising career was marred by injury.

Injuries prevented Nebraska Cornhuskers RB Kenny Wilson from living up to his potential

Wilson came to Nebraska as a four-star community college recruit. According to Rivals.com, Wilson was a top 10 junior college prospect in the nation. In his freshman year, he had just under 1,000 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. In his sophomore year, he had just under 1,300 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns.

In his first year with the Huskers, which was his junior year, he amassed 335 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He did this despite sharing a running back room with Marlon Lucky, who was one of the best recruits in Nebraska history, and Brandon Jackson.

Wilson’s teammate, safety Ben Eisenhart, explained the type of athlete Wilson was in a social media post. The difficulty involved in bringing the 220-pound running back down was in full display against the Colorado Buffaloes.

Lost another great one. Kenny Wilson. Your 10.3 100m speed and weighing 220 made for someone not fun to tackle every day in practice. RIP, Brother. pic.twitter.com/2XJhVtSQSD

— Ben Eisenhart (@BEisenhart) April 5, 2024

Flashback Friday of Kenny Wilson running over people (Colorado) as a Nebraska Cornhusker! @LiberalRedskins @sportsguybrock @leaderandtimes pic.twitter.com/YMUzUUQYpL

— Liberal High School Football (@AngryRedFB) January 6, 2024

Rumors swirled that Wilson allegedly broke his femur carrying a large television which caused him to have surgery ahead of the 2007 season. The injury essentially ended his career, not allowing him to live up to his full potential.

Nebraska Cornhuskers fans gave massive amounts of support to Kenny Wilson and his family

Wilson’s sister, Timiko Young, organized a GoFundMe for her brother. Young explained Wilson’s death and the type of person he was in the description.

“Hello friends and family as many know my brother Kenny Wilson has passed away due to his on going illness and life battles. His body could no longer handle the stress of it all. Kenny loved all his family and friends. His coaches and teammates where not just that but he called them family. Football was his life. I must say he was quick on the track field as well.

“He was one of the best athletes to come out of Liberal, ks. He was a jokester and would do anything he could for anyone. Unfortunately life happened and he did not have insurance. I know a lot of his friends and family have reached out and would like to help.

If you would like to help bring Kenny ( my brother) back home to Liberal, Ks from Lincoln , Ne to his final resting place you can here. Even if you are unable to contribute financially all your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.” Young wrote.

RIP KENNY

— THE FALLING KNIFE (@movingthewrld) April 5, 2024

Sad. Loved in 2006 when the three headed monster at RB got rolling. #poundtherock

— Jay Urban (@JayUrban11) April 5, 2024

I’ll always remember him just LEVELING some guy (CU maybe?) into the endzone on a short run once. Never heard a bad thing about him. Sorry Ben

— JJ (@TXAE1358) April 5, 2024

Wilson was born on July 2, 1986, making him 37-years-old when he passed away. It is unclear what illness he was dealing with at the time of death.

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