Husker Signing Day With Luke Sorensen & Danny Odem AND an Interview with Prince Amukamara | Ep. 15

Summary

House Rhules – Ep. 15

Husker Signing Day With Luke Sorensen & Danny Odem AND an Interview with Prince Amukamara
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Matt Rhule
Co-Host: Anthony “the Cuz” Gargano (referenced/not present in transcript)
Guests: Luke Sorensen, Danny Odem, Prince Amukamara

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Episode Overview

This special Signing Day episode of House Rhules is all about celebrating new beginnings and enduring legacies in Nebraska football. Head coach Matt Rhule sits down with two newly-signed Huskers—tight end Luke Sorensen and defensive back Danny Odem—to talk about their journeys, motivations, and what it means to join the Nebraska family. The episode concludes with an in-depth conversation with Husker great Prince Amukamara, exploring his recruiting story, Nebraska’s football culture, NFL memories, and impact beyond the field.

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Key Segments & Discussion Highlights

1. Welcome & Signing Day Reflections

[00:09-00:41]

• Matt Rhule describes the palpable excitement of Signing Day, recalling the anticipation and evolution from “waiting for the fax machine” to today’s digital process.
• Emphasizes how life-changing the commitment is for players and coaches.

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2. Interview: Luke Sorensen – “Why Nebraska?”

[00:42 – 07:35]

Why Nebraska Feels Like Home [01:16–01:46]

• Luke, a Southern California native, discusses leaving the beach for the Midwest:
  • “You couldn’t possibly get farther away from California than Nebraska, but it felt like home in every other way.” (Luke, 01:38)
• Bonding with the team’s tight end group:
  • “They’re just like me…They want to work hard, they want to grind down, they want to have fun. So they got huge personalities.” (Luke, 01:57)

Recruiting Stories & Cold Plunge Rituals [02:16–04:19]

• Unique recruiting experiences—sauna and cold plunge with coaches at 6am:
  • “That was unique…I tell my parents all the time, like, that's not a cold plunge, it's special.” (Luke, 02:24)
• Memorable interactions with Marcus Satterfield, including awkward in-home visit overlap with another Big Ten coach and Satterfield’s genuine connection with Luke’s family.

Next Steps & Preparations [04:19–05:54]

• Luke details how he’s already on Nebraska’s weight program, receiving install notes, and will join the team for bowl prep.
• Coach Rhule celebrates Luke’s genuine enthusiasm, recalling hearing him at the Rose Bowl:
  • “One of my favorite things about you...is you’re loud enough that I’m at the Rose Bowl and I can hear you screaming my name from the stands.” (Coach Rhule, 05:21)

Gratitude and Looking Ahead [06:38–07:31]

• Reflections on the journey, family, and support systems:
  • “It's not me, it's people around me that really made me who I am.” (Luke, 07:00)

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3. Interview: Danny Odem – Loyalty & Mindset

[10:36–15:36]

Signing Day Emotions & Commitment [10:49–11:41]

• Danny expresses relief and readiness to focus:
  • “It felt great. Finally, like, shut everything down totally and be just focused on the football.” (Danny, 10:53)

Why Nebraska, and What to Expect on the Field [11:17–11:48]

• Identifies with Nebraska’s underdog spirit:
  • “People like us, we underdogs. I feel like Nebraska got that underdog story. We try and bring back that old school Nebraska football...” (Danny, 11:18)
• On-the-field style: “Game changer. Like, imma create turnovers. When the plays come, I'mma make those plays.” (Danny, 11:41)

Relationship with Coaches & Loyalty [11:53–12:30]

• Praises Coach Addison’s mentorship, both on and off the field.
• Loyalty in face of high-pressure recruitment:
  • “[On the craziest recruiting strategy] ‘It was like a lot of money.’” (Danny, 13:34)
  • Coach Rhule commends Danny’s integrity and focus.

Beyond Football—Dreams & Legacy [14:07–14:54]

• Danny’s post-football goals:
  • “I want to own like multiple business. I want to do a little bit of real estate, go back to my hometown, fix up some buildings and own a couple properties.” (Danny, 14:07)
• Rhule outlines Nebraska’s entrepreneurship opportunities:
  • “The people of Nebraska are about building things...we'll make sure you make those connections.” (Rhule, 14:43)

Coach Rhule’s Loyalty: The Husker Family [14:58–15:36]

• “I look forward to being your coach for. Until they put me in the grave, man. We're locked in.” (Rhule, 15:17)
• “You're locked in for life.” (Danny, 15:19)

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4. Interview: Prince Amukamara – Husker for Life

[17:37–37:05]

Recruitment & First Impressions [18:19–19:15]

• “Coming out of Arizona, I mean, back in 2007, honestly, I didn't know where Nebraska was on the map.” (Prince, 18:32)
• Chose Nebraska partly due to a buddy system; experienced firsthand the sincerity of Nebraska fans:
  • “There really is no place like Nebraska… you’re loved there as soon as you’re…whenever you’re gone.” (Prince, 19:02)

2010 Defense & Team Culture [20:23–21:45]

• “I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Suh led the charge … we just wanted to instill our dominance on people.” (Prince, 20:49)
• Bo Pelini’s culture and accountability highlighted.

Locker Room Bonding Stories [22:25–23:37]

• Reminiscing about locker-room boxing matches to blow off steam and build camaraderie:
  • “Guys was… just, like, boxing each other in the locker room…then Suh put [the gloves] on…no one wanted to go against him. I put the gloves on and went against Suh…he gave me one good shot and cornered me in the locker.” (Prince, 22:39)

NFL Transition & Overcoming Challenges [23:57–28:59]

• Switch to cornerback inspired by coaches and film study.
• Draft day anxieties—unexpected call from the Giants after waiting his turn.
• “When I get a call from the New York Giants, whom I did not meet with or interview with, it was surprising, and I was super, super thankful.” (Prince, 25:46)
• Early adversity in the NFL: “As soon as I sign on the dotted line, I go out to practice, I break my foot... it was my faith just remembering, like, okay, where I was and where I am now…” (Prince, 27:47)

Reflections on Faith and Social Media [27:19–30:27]

• “Everyone always says that, oh, like, having faith or following any type of religion is a crutch. But I say, no, it's my stretcher...without that…I’m dead.” (Prince, 27:23)
• Advice to young athletes: “Use social media. Don't let it use you. And…you don’t have to post everything.” (Prince, 29:28)

Legacy and Giving Back [30:48–32:29]

• On what he hopes fans remember: “That I give it my all…on the field and off the field…I want to be remembered as the guy who…took the time [for fans].” (Prince, 30:48)

Life Post-NFL & Current Passions [32:30–35:36]

• Playing pickleball, raising five kids, studying nutrition at USC, and hosting “Mr. A Adventures” YouTube show for kids’ fitness/nutrition.

Signature Memorable Moments

• On humility and giving back:
  • “You just bring joy to every situation. You care about people. You treat people well.” (Rhule, 31:45)
• Prince’s invitation for a pickleball charity event with Rhule in Lincoln.

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Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “[On leaving California] You couldn’t possibly get farther away from California than Nebraska, but it felt like home in every other way.” (Luke Sorensen, 01:38)
• “People like us, we underdogs. I feel like Nebraska got that underdog story.” (Danny Odem, 11:18)
• “Everyone always says that, oh, like, having faith or following any type of religion is a crutch. But I say, no, it's my stretcher…without that…I’m dead.” (Prince Amukamara, 27:23)
• “You just bring joy to every situation. You care about people. You treat people well.” (Matt Rhule, 31:45)
• “Use social media. Don't let it use you.” (Prince Amukamara, 29:28)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42 – Interview with Luke Sorensen begins
• 01:38 – Why Nebraska feels like home (Luke)
• 02:24 – Cold plunge with coaches (Luke)
• 05:21 – Rose Bowl recruiting story (Rhule on Luke)
• 07:35 – Luke exits interview
• 10:36 – Danny Odem joins the podcast
• 11:18 – Nebraska as the “underdog story” (Danny)
• 13:34 – Craziest recruiting efforts (Danny)
• 14:07 – Danny’s post-football dreams
• 15:36 – Danny exits interview
• 17:37 – Prince Amukamara segment begins
• 18:32 – Prince’s real recruiting story
• 20:49 – The 2010 defense and Ndamukong Suh’s influence
• 22:39 – Locker room boxing (Prince)
• 27:23 – The role of faith in Prince’s journey
• 29:28 – Social media advice for athletes
• 30:48 – Prince’s hoped-for legacy
• 32:30 – Life after football, pickleball, and children's show
• 36:07 – Rhule proposes a Nebraska charity pickleball tournament

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Episode Tone & Atmosphere

Genuine, celebratory, and deeply rooted in gratitude and connection—both to the Nebraska tradition and among individuals. Rhule’s rapport with each guest is friendly, supportive, often humorous, yet always focused on values, loyalty, and legacy.

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For New Listeners – Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a Husker fan, an athlete, or simply someone interested in sports culture and leadership, this episode offers firsthand perspectives on what makes Nebraska football special—the family, the fight, and the life lessons that extend far beyond the field. The episode is rich with stories of loyalty, humility, resilience, and the power of community. The genuine, sometimes raw, interviews demonstrate what it means to be “Husker for life.”

Transcript

[A]

What's up, everybody? Welcome to a special episode of House Rules. Today is one of my favorite favorite days in coaching. You know, I got into coaching because I love players. And today's signing day. You get up early, you know, six o', clock, you're waiting for the fax machine. The fax machine was a long time ago. We were waiting for the computer or whatever to come through. And young men transform their lives when they decide what college they're going to attend. And I'm so fired up to introduce you guys to the one, the only dominant tight end, Luke Sorensen. What's up, Luke?

[B]

How we doing, Coach Rule?

[A]

How'd it feel this morning?

[B]

It was awesome. So, you know, 6:30, I got a call from Coach Satterfield, so I'm like, I'm already having a great morning. So I spoke to him for a while, and then, you know, it was seven o', clock, and then I get that email. It's like, it's go time. So, you know, never look back. Just, you know, dotted some eyes and cross some T's, and, you know, here I am.

[A]

Did you have a signing day ceremony?

[B]

Yeah, so I had at my school. I just finished that like an hour ago. But 7:45am There were two other guys that were signing with me, which was pretty cool. So a lot of my friends came, a lot of my teammates came, and my coaches came, which is a pretty cool experience.

[A]

So you're from Southern California and you're coming to Nebraska. What made you say, hey, this is home?

[B]

You know, I grew up down in Southern California, so I'm used to the beaches. I'm used to it being 75 degrees and sunny every day. But coming to Nebraska, I just fell in love with the place. I fell in love with the people, the coaches, the staff, the players. So I was like, you know what? I haven't been to a school that just I felt as home to. You couldn't possibly get farther away from California than Nebraska, but it felt like home in every other way.

[A]

How was your interaction with the players on the team, the tight ends? What has that tight end room bond been like with you?

[B]

Oh, man, I don't think there's a group of tight ends I'd rather play for than those guys. You know, I went out there day one, you know, fell in love with them. They're awesome dudes. They're just like me, you know, they want to. They're football guys. They want to work hard, they want to grind down, they want to have fun. So they got huge Personalities. Big personalities, which I love. You know, I'm a big personality guy, and, you know, just from day one, we kind of clicked, which is pretty interesting.

[A]

Now, of all the places you went in recruiting, did you ever, ever get in the sauna and cold plunge with any other position coach and head coach?

[B]

That was unique, you know, And I still do that to this day. Like, I. I tell my parents all the time, like, that's not a cold plunge. Is. Is special, you know? Like, I remember day one, you know, you guys waking me up at, like, six in the morning, like, hey, we got. You know, you don't get to sleep around these OVs. You got to come work. So that was. That was definitely, like, really cool for me.

[A]

All right, tell me your best Satterfield story, because, you know, people don't really know Marcus. They see, like, the quiet, you know, but tell everybody what coach stats really, like.

[B]

Oh, man. So. Well, I'll give you. I'll give you a couple. So one day, you know, when he came down for his. The home visit, right? Came out there, he drove from Fresno to Southern California. So Fresno's at the very, very top of California by, like, San Francisco. Orange County's at the very bottom, right? It's pretty much Mexico, right? So you're out there. He drove not like, however many hours. He did, right? Like, nine or eight hours. And so I had another Big Ten team come visit me, right? So I had lifts and everything. He came home and was having dinner. I got a knock on the door, and I'm like, oh, shoot, that's Coach Satterfield. He walks in the house, and there's another Big Ten team, you know, Big Ten coach, sitting right at my table. So he was like, I'll just come back. And I was like, oh, crap. I just messed up with that. But, no, he was awesome. Came back in, like, 20 minutes later, you know, he. He sat down. He's. I was like, you want anything to eat, Coach? He's like, nope, I'm all good. You know, spent, like, 20 minutes there talking with family. But, yeah, he went to. He went to, like, this, like, bar and Grill before he came to my house to this Bargo Kello called draft picks. And that's, like, my dad's favorite spot. So, you know, they got a little. Little connection out there, which is pretty cool. And then on my official visit, you know, I get. I get in there, and I'm a big BC Boys fan, as you know. You know, I. You know, I know you are to be an east coast guy. But out there holding two, two, two boom boxes, you know, Blasted Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys. And I'm like, it doesn't get much better than that. So, man, I love that guy to death.

[A]

He's awesome. So you're signed now. What are the next steps for you as you move forward?

[B]

So I'm on Nebraska's weight program right now, so I've been lifting with Coach Corey stuff, which has been awesome. You know, it's been tough, but it's been good. So. And then in a week or two, I think next week I get out there for the bowl game. So I'll be out there pretty soon.

[A]

I love it. It'll be, it'll be, it'll be so much fun to be able to practice with us, you know, and that way your first practice isn't spring practice. You'll know what to expect. You'll, you'll get out there with the guys and just get, just get started, man.

[B]

Oh, yeah, I've already got some of the install. I have a notebook and Coach Sassman sent me some of the installs. So I got all the, all the, you know, formations and the calls out. So I'm getting good with that stuff.

[A]

Are you going to take your family to dinner tonight? Like, are you paying for dinner tonight? Now that you're assigned Division one recruit, are you, are you picking up the tab or what?

[B]

I might have to do. Might have to pick a couple tabs. You know, it's usually. My grandpa bought me a breakfast this morning, so I'm about to go down to Heroes and, you know, pay him the favor back.

[A]

Well, I tell you what, since we first started recruiting you, you've been, you've been the same guy every day and always honest with us and, but also a lot of fun to be around, you know, I mean, I wouldn't jump in the cold plunge at 6 o' clock in the morning if it wasn't for someone I really, really, really like. One of my favorite things about you, though, is you're loud enough that I'm at the Rose bowl and I can hear you screaming my name from the stands. You paid your own way, got your own ticket, went to the UCLA game and there I could hear you. That's when I was like, okay, this guy, we're have a lot of fun together, man.

[B]

Oh yeah. I mean, so I went out there because. So my, one of my best friends, Jake, Susan, his family's from Nebraska. He's going to go to Nebraska with me. So he's just an awesome guy. And I was like, dude, you know, they're playing the UCLA at home. We gotta go. So I brought him and a couple of my buddies and my mom and we got tickets and so we were like, we were on like, very. The nosebleeds, you know, I'm like, dude, I gotta get. I gotta get by the field. So I ended up swinging my way down by the student section, told him I was a student for ucla, right? And we're out there like, dude, shirts are coming off and we're just gonna go out there and be wild and crazy. So, you know, I was, I was yelling. Everyone I saw, miss Kristen. I was like, miss Kristen, Miss Kristen. You know, so it was awesome. I saw the boys too. So, like Heinrich and Luke and all them guys and Eric. That was fun.

[A]

I love it. I love it. Well, enjoy today, man. It's. It's a special day. It's a day you worked a long time for. Oh, yeah. And, you know, I think it's a day. I always feel like it's one day like today. It's a great day to, like, say thank you, the people who helped you get here, because while it's the start of something new, it's the also the end of something special. And, man, you got a great family, great coaches, a lot of great people. And then let's hurry up and get here, man. Let's get to work.

[B]

I can't wait, man. And people gotta realize, like, all the stuff you see about like, oh, this guy is, you know, sign on and all this, like, great athletes and stuff, it's not me, it's people around me that really made me who I am, you know, like a lot of my teammates, like, in practice, practice gets like, there's fights all the time because everyone's just at the, you know, chomp at the bit trying to compete. And so it's like, it's a great environment to practice in, that survey. And like, you know, I'm just glad for the people that came and supported me.

[A]

That's awesome. Well, thank you again for your trust in us. Thank you for your confidence in us. And all I gotta say is, go Big Red.

[B]

Go Big Red.

[A]

Love you, buddy. See you soon.

[B]

See you soon, Coach. Thank you very much for having me on.

[A]

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You know, one thing I've learned since coming to Nebraska is that it's a place built on hard work, pride, and people who take take care of their own. That's why I'm proud to tell you about our friends at Akers Equipment. Akers has been an incredible partner for Husker athletics and the University of Nebraska. When we talk about doing things with integrity, showing up every day and being consistent, Acres reflects those same values. They've supported our student athletes, our facilities, and our mission to represent this state the right way. If you're from around here, you already know Akers is the real deal. They're the largest John Deere dealership in Nebraska, and they've got equipment for whatever you need. Mowers, gators, big tractors, combine harvesters, everything. They sell it, they service it, and they stand behind it. I love that these are Nebraska people serving Nebraska people. They understand the work, the seasons, the challenges, and the pride that goes into everything you do. And just like our team, they're committed to showing up every single day and getting better. Visit your local Acres equipment store or go online to acres.com to learn more. They've been a tremendous partner for us and for the entire state of Nebraska. All Right, everybody, welcome into another section of this special episode as we celebrate the men of Nebraska football. And my guy, a fellow Pennsylvanian, even though he's in Florida, we both got that Pennsylvania DNA. Danny Odom. What's up, my friend?

[C]

What's up, my guy?

[A]

Man, it's good to see you, man. When that came through this morning, I woke up and I had that text message from you with that lock locked in. I said, all right, here we go. It's going to be a great day.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[A]

How did it feel to sign and say, you know what? I'm a Husker? How did it feel?

[C]

It felt great. Finally, like, shut everything down totally and be just focused on the football.

[A]

And now you got your fifth star not too long ago. So when you're a five star, people are gonna come at you to the very, very, very end. I'm sure it's been crazy the last.

[D]

Couple.

[A]

But you stayed loyal. What was it about Nebraska that made you say, hey, that's gonna be my home?

[C]

This is like a feeling that I get when I came around when I first came to the bill and like, you know, like, people like us, we underdogs. I feel like Nebraska got that underdog story. We try and bring back that old school Nebraska football, and you know how.

[A]

You bring that back with great, great, great players, man. And what' about your game? Like, what, what, what. What can Husker fans expect when they. When they see Danny Odom take the field?

[C]

Game changer. Like, I'mma create turnovers. I'm. When the plays come, I'm. I'mma make them plays.

[A]

Have you always been like that?

[C]

Yes, sir.

[A]

You said that like, come on, man. What.

Talk about your relationship with Coach. Coach Addison, you know, he. I think he's one of the best defensive back coaches in the country. And you're a guy. He said from day one, hey, this is my guy. I want him. What is it about Coach Addy that you feel like is going to develop you to the next level?

[C]

I feel like Coach Addy, like, he could help me not just on the field, but off the field, because I feel like we got a lot of things in common, just like me and you, like, we got that dog in us, like, to make us thrive, to get to where we want to. And I feel like Coach Addison can help me show that in my game.

[A]

You're finishing up school, There's a chance you might be able to come down with us to bowl practice. Are you excited about strapping it on and put. Putting that, Putting that N on your helmet and going out to practice.

[C]

You know I am. I'm ready. I'm trying to book my ticket right now.

[A]

What, so what was today like? Did you guys have a big signing at school or anything fun?

[C]

Our signing actually tomorrow at 9:30.

[A]

Oh good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you're able to do this? Get this out of the way and then, and then do it. What are you gonna celebrate? Any little family thing.

[C]

Yeah, the fam coming down. We're gonna go out to eat.

[A]

When you come to Lincoln and me and you go out get something to eat, what's the food of choice? Where are we going? What kind of food we getting?

[C]

You gotta get the state.

[A]

That's what Nebraska's about, man.

[C]

You gotta get the state.

[A]

What.

What is the crate? Not Nebraska. But what is the craziest thing anybody did in recruiting? You don't have to say who it was. I don't want to blow nobody spot it. But like of all the crazy things you heard and seen and did, what was the craziest thing anybody did as they tried to recruit Danny?

[C]

It was like a lot of money.

[A]

People just say they. The last couple days, people probably just said, hey, here's a blank check, huh?

[C]

Yes sir.

[A]

Well, I appreciate and love the loyalty. Because you know what's crazy, there's way, way, way greater things ahead for you in the future. We're going to get you here, get you a great education, have a good time, win a bunch of games, watch you be a great player and then watch you go off to the NFL. And then even after the NFL's done, man, when it's all said and done and you're done playing someday, what do you want to do with your life after your playing career is over in the league?

[C]

I want to own like multiple business. I want to do a little bit of real estate, go back to my hometown, fix up some buildings and own a couple properties.

[A]

That's awesome. You know, one of the great things about Nebraska is besides just the business school, we have an entrepreneurship master's program. It's one year and it really helps people learn how to start your own business. And so once we get that bachelor's degree and we get your four year degree done, that's something that I'm really encourage you to do because there are so many great people here that have started their own business. Like the people of Nebraska are about building things. And so we'll make sure you make those connections. So when, when the time comes for you to own your business, Odom Incorporated or whatever, you gonna call it that? You have the dream?

[C]

Yes, sir.

[A]

But also the connections, right? Life's about people.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[A]

Well, the thing I love about you the most, buddy, every time I see you, man, you bring a smile to my face. Even. Even in that game last Friday, it wasn't the way we wanted it to go, but you were there, and you stay loyal to the end. So I look forward to being your coach. Not just for the next three or four years, but I look forward to being your coach for. Until. Until they put me in the grave, man. We're locked in.

[C]

You're locked in for life.

[A]

That's it. Well, Husker fans, I'm just going to tell you this guy's a special one, and he's coming for all the right reasons. So, Danny, I can't wait to coach you next week. Let's. Let's do it.

[C]

Let's do it, Coach. Let's do it. All right.

[A]

Well, I love you, man. Go, Big Red.

[C]

Love you, too. Yes, sir.

[A]

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My guest today was a unanimous All American in his senior year here at Nebraska. A first round draft pick, a Super bowl champion, and his forever true Husker royalty. Since retirement, he has not slowed down. He's a father of five, CEO, a podcaster, and he's getting his masters at usc. I'm so excited to welcome to the podcast Husker for Life, Prince of Mukamara. Good to have you on, man.

[D]

Man, thanks for having me. What an intro.

[A]

I'll be honest with you, I'll be honest with you. I, I do have to read, I do have to read some of those things because this is not like my full time job, you know, it's like a part time gig, man. But it's great to have you on here. I, I, I'm really, really grateful.

[D]

Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that.

[A]

So, so, so what, what drew you to Nebraska? Like what, what made you want to come to Lincoln and be a Husker?

[D]

Gosh, you want, you, you want the, the real version or the watered down version?

[A]

Give me the real one, man.

[D]

Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, coming out of Arizona, I mean, back in 2007, honestly, I didn't know where Nebraska was on the map. And so, and to be honest, I don't think I've ever told anyone this, but I thought Jim Trestle was the head coach of Nebraska, meaning I thought Nebraska was Ohio State. And so.

When we had a great recruiter by the name of Bill Bush, we probably one of the best recruiters, man, just a great talker. And so he had, he had recruited like five of us from down here in Arizona. And I was supposed to play running back. And so that's why I tell everyone I was supposed to play running back in Nebraska. I was there watching the film with running back, with the running back coach, Coach Jordan on my visit, and he was like gassing me up, hyping me up on my, on my film. And then, long story short, I committed there because I ended up committing there because one of my best friends committed there. So it was like a, it was like a buddy system. But when I got To Nebraska. And I tell everybody this. There really is no place like Nebraska. And the thing is, us people who went there and played there, we're not the only ones saying it. Other people from other teams who visit there, I mean, you see, like, Travis Hunter, man, that was the. Like, that was the most, like, crazy environment he's ever been a part of. And the fact that he said that when people say we have the nicest fans, I mean, I think that that speaks volumes. So when I got there, I mean, people in the stands had poster boards with, like, come here, Prince. Like, choose Nebraska and stuff like that. So they do their homework, they do their research, and you're loved there as soon as you're. Whenever you're gone. Even, like, former players. I did a episode with Wanda Robinson for my show not too long ago, and I asked him, I said, be honest, do you still call Nebraska home? He said, yes, dude, 100%, and stuff like that. So I think a lot of players, it's like, we love it.

[A]

I love that. You know, Nebraska fans, they still always talk about that 2010 defense. What made that unit so special? What was the culture like in the locker room? Like, what made you guys be what you were?

[D]

Yeah, I mean, if I. I'd be remiss if I didn't say sue led. Led the charge. And I think because of his.

Just how he surged and he just. His dominance, I think we all followed his lead. And then, of course, Bo Pelini just had us. Had us rocking. And so, like, we had a great front four. I mean, Levante David was. Was in the. Was in the linebacking core. We had. We had cricket. Our back end was good. We all just played together. So when the guys up front take care of their job, it makes our job easier in the back end. And then when the back end takes care of our job, it makes the guys up front, their job just easy. But we just wanted to instill our dominance on people, and it was just physical play. It was just making plays on the ball.

[A]

You know, we still have practice tape from. From those years. Like, I'll go back. Oh, yeah, I'll go back and watch nine on seven. I'll watch team. It's. It's pretty cool to see. It's really cool to see. Now, you mentioned Coach Polini. What did he do in terms of the mindset that helped you as a player and then even later as a man? Like, what. What did he mean to you?

[D]

One thing. Coach Palini did great, and his brother Carl was like, they would they would rip sue if sue needed to be ripped. And so it wasn't just them. Excuse me for my language, mother effing like us. It was like they would mother f Sue. And so when we, when we would see that, it's like, wow, like every. Everybody can get it. Like, it's not just. It's not just us. And so they also build a mindset at practice. So when it was cold, offense was inside, defense was outside, and we were, we were in shorts, no sleeves. We were really just grinding. And they really just build. Just build that mindset in us.

[A]

What's the behind the stories. Behind, behind the scenes story? Like from. From those. That team that shows like the bot of that team that. No. Is there anything that no one knows that can really. Like when you think back on that time, really, really is emblematic of what that team meant.

[D]

I wouldn't say nobody knows this, but not a lot of people know. But I think it was after training camp. I don't know. I don't know how we did it. I think Niles Paul maybe, maybe have. Maybe was the start of this, but he brought boxing gloves into the locker room. And so guys was. And it was only bodies we're not doing. Like we're not doing from the neck up, but it was just only bodies. And guys was. Guys were just like boxing each other in the locker room. And so then sue put them on, and then it didn't look like no one wanted to really go against him. And so then I put. I put the gloves on and went against Sue. Oh, wow. Yeah. And so sue gave me, like, he gave me one good shot and then cornered me in the locker. And then it was like everyone had to, like, get it. Get him off me. But I think that was. That was just our team. Like, we were just fun. We were always finding ways to compete, and that really brought us together.

[A]

That's awesome. If that happened now, there'd be videos posted.

[D]

Oh, 100%.

[A]

It would be viral. It would be viral.

[D]

100%.

[A]

So you went from Lincoln, you went from that locker room. You know, you talked about your journey running back, then moved to corner and next, you know, your first round pick in the NFL draft. What was that moment like for you?

[D]

I made the switch, I would say truly my. My sophomore year. And when I made the switch, I couldn't believe anyone could play the game backwards. So it was hard for me to grasp that. So what I did was I try to watch film of the best guys that year. So Joe, Joe Hayden was one of the best guys coming out of Florida. And so I would watch his film and see how aggressive and physical he played. And then the person who really helped me a lot was Marvin Sanders. And Coach Sanders just taught me what it meant to be a cornerback from technique, alignment, my keys, my execution. And so I credit a lot of that to him. There was a time when, you know, like scouts come and watch the practices and so we would do ball drills and I didn't have no picks my senior year. So the knock on me was, okay, this guy doesn't have ball, doesn't have good ball drills. So Coach Sanders was like humming the ball at me and I was, and I was dropping him, so. But I'm not faulting him. But he said, look, they're riding it down 2, 1, can't catch the ball. And I'm like, I'm like, gosh, dude, like, what? Like, you don't want me to get in my head. I'm like, you don't want me to get drafted? Like, what are you, what are you doing? And then. But I learned, I learned like, from him. Like, he's just building my mindset. He wants me to, to arise in like the toughest environments under pressure. And so like when, when we're, when I'm found in the Big 12 championship against Texas and I have to make a play to win the game, I'm not like, I felt that pressure already. So I credit a lot to him. But when I got drafted, the whole draft process was probably one of the hardest interviewing process ever. Just from a sense of, you know, the whole combine, they wake you up early, you got to run a 40 yard dash, you got to lift, then you got to meet with all the coaches, they're asking you all these crazy questions. And then, and then after that, then you got to go to the pro day. And then when you get to the, when you get on draft day, anything could happen, right? I mean, we saw it with Shador and stuff like that. And so my draft, me and Patrick Peterson were 1, 2 coming out. And so I knew as soon as he went off the board, like, I was going to be next. And so he went off pretty early. And I'm waiting. And so what I think messed up the draft was a lot of quarterbacks was getting drafted that I didn't think was supposed to go, but they went. And so I kept going down, down. And I'm thinking, like, I don't want to be that guy. I don't want to be. I think Aaron Rodgers was, was known for, like, waiting and stuff like that. And so when I get a call from the New York Giants, whom I did not meet with or interview with, it was surprising, and I was super, super thankful. As soon as I. As soon as. As soon as the whole draft was done, I just went to my hotel, dug my face with my pillow and. And had some alone time and cried a little bit.

[A]

That's awesome. What. Who. Who was the toughest receiver you faced during your time in the NFL?

[D]

It changes every year because I feel like I got better every year. So one year was DEZ Bryan. Another year was Calvin Johnson. Another year was Antonio Brown. Overall, devonte Adams, hands down. Yeah, because I'm a big press guy, and devonte Adams plays basketball with. With his releases. And so there was times where I just had. I had nothing for him.

[A]

Your faith has always been central to your story. How has your faith and how has faith guided you, you know, in both your life and in your career?

[D]

Being a Christian was huge for me. Like, in my life, especially in the league, everyone always says that, oh, like, having faith or following any type of religion is a crutch. But I say, no, it's my stretcher. Like, without that, like, I'm on my back. I'm, like, I'm dead and stuff like that. And so it really impacts and influences how I do everything. And so especially how I play the game of football. And I always say, like, the Christian athletes should be the most fiercest, relentless athlete because we're playing for something bigger than team. We're playing for something bigger than ourselves. And so when I first signed with the Giants, I broke my foot. Like, as soon as I sign on the dotted line, I go out to practice, I break my foot. And I've never experienced any type of surgery or injury like that before. And so it was my faith just remembering, like, okay, where I was and where I am now, a lot of people just sending me lots of encouragement and then also had a lot of people online. So that was the, like, the surge of, like, Twitter and Instagram and people and fans having direct contact with you. I was getting a lot of trash cans in my. In my DMs, in my comments. Oh, we got damaged goods and stuff like that. And so that bothered me a little bit. And so just me remembering, like, I know it's cliche, but, like, hey, God has a plan for me. And even though me getting surgery on my fifth metatarsal, even though that wasn't part of my plan, it was part of his plan. And what do you know, the bigger picture. I found myself starting in the super bowl and we beat Tom Brady my first year.

[A]

That's amazing. You mentioned social media, and it's something that I see, like my guys have to deal with. I never had to deal with it as a player. Right, and then now you had to. And now it's just continuing to evolve. Now college football, you see the changes, right? Nil transfer portal. What advice would you give to young athletes? What do you think they need to hear and learn so that they can be successful both, you know, in college, in the pros, and then life after football?

[D]

I would say two things. Number one, use social media. Don't let it use you. And so. And then number two, you don't have to post everything. Like, you don't have to let everyone know what, what you're doing. Like, there's some things that you can keep to yourself because, I mean, I don't like to use him as an example, but we see like John Moran like that, like his. I think it was two years ago or last year, I was like, man, just stay off social media. Like, you'll be like, you'll be good. Just. Just stay off. And then also like your friends that are around you too. Like, it's not bad to have like, hey, a no. A no phone policy and stuff like that. But I think like you said, now we're in the age where people want to stream, right? People want to. Want to be on there 247 and. And they want what they're doing to be shown 24 7. And I just feel like, because we're, we're human and we're not perfect. Like, if you want, if you want to do that 24 7, people are going to see your. Your mistakes.

[A]

It's to the point where, like after a game, after a big win, I'll say to the guys, like, hey, guys, remember now, please don't live stream from the locker room. Let's just let this be our thing for right now. When you leave, you can go do what you want. But I know the world is changing. When fans look back and think about your career, both college and pro, you know what, what do you hope they remember about you and the way you.

[D]

Did things that I give it my all. Like, I emptied. I emptied it out on the field and off the field. And when I say off the field, I also want to be remembered as the guy who, who said hi to your kid, who took a picture and signed an autograph for your kid and just took the time because I hear you preach it all the time. All the time. But, like, fans, like, they make this thing go and stuff like that. And so the best feeling is when I go back to New York. Like, I was in New York last week, and the best feeling is taking a picture with a kid now and them showing me the picture that I took with them when they were, like, 2 years old, 3 years old, like that. And it happens. And that's the best feeling because it just shows, like, hey, I took the time then, and guess what? Like, I'm still the same person. I'm gonna take the time now. And they remember that, and it does something to them.

[A]

Yeah, that's one of the things. You know, me, obviously, I was a young assistant. I didn't obviously cross over with you much, but I was over with the O line at the Giants. And just watching you as a. As a young coach and then coming to Nebraska and seeing when you come back, I think the one thing that always stands out to me about you is you just bring joy to every situation. You care about people. You treat people well, and it's amazing, you know, like, Levante David came back this spring. How humble he is.

[D]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

And Domicon comes back and talks to the team, how your group of guys, the way you carry yourself, the way they carry themselves, and how you guys could come back and be like, I want this. I want this. I want this. And you guys are always coming back saying, how can I help the program? How can I give back? It's. It's really special and speaks to your character, which is. I just want to make sure I say thank you for that.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

What's life like now? What keeps. What keeps your fire stoked right now? What keeps you rolling? What are you up to right now?

[D]

Actually, I'm currently in. At a Lifetime fitness gym. Do I play pickleball every. Like, every day. So what's your rating?

[A]

What are you. What are you rated?

[D]

Yeah, I know.

[A]

I'm.

[D]

I'm kind of embarrassed to say, but I'm getting up there. I'm like a 4. 0. I'm like a 3. 9 2. But I'm like. So I'm like. I'm. I'd say I'm a 4. 0, but I play better than that. Pickleball, just super fun. It's such a humbling sport because when I first played, it's not something where you can just size somebody up. I can't look at you and say, not you personally, but I can't look at somebody and Say, okay, this person looks. This person looks. Looks old. Like, they're, like, they're a lady. They're like, 70s. But that person would whip me, and that person did whoop me. And so it's so. It's so humbling. And then. And it just forced me to get better. And I play a lot of basketball, too. Or I did. And basketball, my ceiling is higher, and I can't. Like, I'm never going to reach it. Like, I'm never going to be able to be that good at basketball. But pickleball, my ceiling is lower, and I can achieve that more. And so play a lot of pickleball. Have five kids. I have triplets that are three, so they're having me run around.

[A]

Do you sleep?

[D]

Do you sleep? I try to. I try to. And then I'm getting my master's in nutrition at the University of Southern California, which is ironic. Lost a bet to a friend, so I had to sing their fight song. I was at the game. What game was that? They played Northwestern last week. I was at that game. And I. And I have a podcast, too. So I always say, like, when you're. When you get out as a player, my transition, what that looks like is.

[A]

Like, I want to do it all.

[D]

Like, I'm still young. Like, I'm 36. It's like, I want to do it all. I don't want to jump into coaching so soon because I respect the hours that you guys put in, and so I'm not trying to. I feel like coaching is like being a player again. And my wife always says, like, she'll. She'll. She'll leave me if I. If I. If I coach. So I respect all the wives who are. Who are coaches, wives and that journey. And so I don't want to do that yet. But what I'm saying is, like. Like, I want to do so much because I feel like I'm so young, and I do feel like the world really is my. My oyster. And so there's so much I want to do. And so right now I say I'm a serial entrepreneur and. But I'm trying to scale back and stuff, so. But one thing I am passionate about, I'd be remiss if I didn't say is that I have a children's show, and it's on YouTube. Mr. A Adventures. And I teach kids about nutrition education and. And fitness. So different episodes, it would look like one would be me at a science center, and I'm teaching kids about the solar system. Another one would look like me with sue. And I'm asking Sue. Hey, sue, like before. Before pregame. I mean, before a game, your pregame meal, what fruits or vegetables do you like to eat? And so that's in hopes of encouraging kids to lead and eat. Eat a nutritious. Eat a nutritious meal and stuff like that. So that's been super fun.

[A]

That's amazing. I'm excited to check that out.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, I'm going to go ahead and propose. First of all, thank you for doing this, but I'm going to go ahead and propose that we set a date and we get a little pickleball tournament here in Lincoln. There's some elite places here. I like to play and, like, you do. Oh, my first tournament, we played doubles and we showed up, we lost to two guys that were, like, in their 70s. They just kept dinking it in the kitchen. You know, my aggressive nature. I just. But I've. I've worked. I've worked. So let's. I think we should get a little charitable pickleball.

[D]

That would be fun.

[A]

And make something happen.

[D]

I would love that. That would be fun.

[A]

I love it.

[C]

Well.

[A]

Well, thank you so much. Thank you for all that you do to constantly give back and sharing your story. And most importantly, I love the way that you're giving back to kids and. And doing what you do. So we have a ton of respect for you. You here, Husker, for life. Thank you, Prince.

[D]

No problem, dude. Thanks for having me. And I am so glad you are staying.

[A]

So thank you, man. I appreciate that.

[D]

You're probably thinking there was never a doubt, but, hey, you know how. You know how it is, like, when you're not on the inside, you're on the outside. I'm just like, everyone's asking me. I'm like, dude, I don't know. I'm looking at the interviews that just. Just the same as you are, but I'm sure it was never a doubt, especially how you speak about Nebraska and you can tell it's super genuine. You love it here. So I'm glad, like everybody else.

[A]

Well, thank you, man. It's like I tell our players, like, these are. Everybody talks about the good old days. These are the good old days and some of the best times of our life. So we're loving it.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

Go Big Red.

[D]

Yes, sir.

[A]

Well, that's it. Another episode in the can. Please remember to, like, share or subscribe on YouTube or wherever it gets your podcasts.

[D]

And.

[A]

And please follow at House Rules on socials till next time.