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Anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Nebraska football: Part 2

What’s the deal with the Blackshirts?

A well-known tradition at Nebraska is nickname for the Huskers’ defensive unit, the Blackshirts. The name started in 1964 and is derived from the black, pullover jerseys worn by the defensive players in practice.

After a 56-0 victory against South Dakota, Nebraska coach Bob Devaney decided that his team would become a two-platoon football team, using offensive and defensive units. Teams were allowed to use the two-platoon system, which is now standard for collegiate squads, after changes in NCAA rules following the 1963 season. Delaney thought the change would be more efficient for his squad, and so black pullovers that would distinguish the defensive players from the offensive players were purchased.

The mystique of the Blackshirts started with how the pullovers were distributed at practice. When all members would practice with the defense, they would wear gray pullovers, but when the team was split into offensive and defensive members, the black pullovers were awarded to only the first-team defenders, motivating the lower units.

The black pullovers continually had to be earned, as they were collected after each practice and distributed anew the next practice. The tradition of the Blackshirts continued to grow with the unit’s success, as Nebraska boasted the No. 2 defense in 1964, No. 8 in 1965, and No. 1 in 1967.

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