Nebraska football and fans are bidding their last goodbye to an icon. He came in as a walk-on, only to bow out as part of the Huskers’ golden era in college football. That star is none other than Matt Vrzal, who passed away on September 26. The former center was part of squads that brought National Championships to Lincoln.

There is no public information available about Matt Vrzal’s cause of death. But there are certain mentions about the reason likely being a heart attack. Nebraska chat rooms and fan forums suspect it to be the cause. One message on Reddit also reads that Vrzal had previously mentioned in a show that heart diseases were common in his family, and that they caused early deaths. He had even lost the weight from his Nebraska Days, and looked a lot fitter towards the end. The former Husker was 51, and coincidentally, also wore that same number on his jersey.

Vrzal, warmly known as Vrz, played for Nebraska during the 1990s and was part of the 1994 and 1995 National Championship-winning squads. Vrzal was a backup to Aaron Graham and was part of an O-line that had zero sacks in the season. He played in all games that year and helped Nebraska lead the charts in rushing (399.8 yards per game). Matt Vrzal was also a stellar student, earning the Big 12 Commissioner’s Fall Semester Honor Roll and Honorable Mention Academic All-Big-12 in 1996.

Vrzal went back to daily life after his career as a Husker. As an entrepreneur, he found even more success and became a much-loved member of the community. Vrzal was also dabbling in two different walks of life before his tragic passing. The former OL was a regular presence on the radio, talking about Nebraska football. And, he was also the owner of a pizzeria, where he was equally loved for his warm presence.

Matt Vrzal left a lasting mark on the community because of his kindness

Matt Vrzal used to appear on the Gary & Matt Show on 1620 The Zone, as well as Hurrdat Sports Live. Gary Sharp shared an emotional message on X, mourning his friend. “This leaves a hole in our heart and our community. Vrz was one of kind and myself and so many others are better because of our friendship or interactions with the Man from the 308. RIP brother,” he wrote. Sharp also highlighted that to Vrzal was the best around children. “He was slated to join me on TV tonight doing what he loved talking football and telling stories of the kids playing,” he added heartbreakingly.

The former Husker was also the owner of Piezon’s Pizzeria, a popular spot in Omaha. He was known to be an extremely kind person and a welcoming presence in the restaurant. Despite winning the National Championship twice, he refrained from using his personal memorabilia at Piezon’s. “[You] can go anywhere and see that stuff. We’re just a neighborhood pizza spot [where] you can bring your kids and have a nice dinner. I’d rather talk to people than point to my jersey on the wall,” he told Omaha Magazine in 2020. The pizzeria also celebrated local sports programs each Wednesday.

The Nebraska football community is sending its tributes for Matt Vrzal. He’ll sure be remembered for his contributions and love for Nebraska football.

Out of respect for the family, we are awaiting confirmation before providing additional details. This article will be updated once verified information emerges.