Lincoln, NE — November 3, 2025.

In a story that captures the heart of college football’s truest values — loyalty, courage, and brotherhood — Nebraska Cornhuskers legend Ndamukong Suh has auctioned off the game-worn jersey from his final NCAA season to raise money for his former teammate and close friend, Prince Amukamara, who is battling Parkinson’s disease.

The jersey — Suh’s iconic No. 93 red-and-white uniform from the unforgettable 2009 season — sold at a private charity auction for $1.05 million late Sunday night in Lincoln. Suh announced that every dollar would go toward Amukamara’s medical treatments, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing Parkinson’s research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“Prince gave everything to the game, to his teammates, and to this community,” Suh said, his voice breaking slightly. “Now it’s our turn to fight for him, the same way he always fought for us.”

Brothers in the Blackshirt Brotherhood

Suh and Amukamara were pillars of Nebraska’s ferocious “Blackshirt Defense” from 2007 to 2009, leading the Cornhuskers to national prominence and helping the team finish No. 1 in total defense during the 2009 season.

Their friendship was built through years of 6 a.m. workouts, late-night film sessions, and the mutual trust between a defensive tackle and his cornerback — one creating chaos up front, the other sealing the backfield.

“He was the calm to my storm,” Suh recalled. “I’d pressure the quarterback, and I knew Prince would be there, locking down whoever was left standing.”

After their collegiate careers, both went on to succeed at the professional level — Suh as one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive linemen, and Amukamara as a Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants.

But while Suh’s name continued to appear in headlines for his fierce play, Amukamara quietly faced a different kind of battle.

A Private Fight, Now Public

Amukamara, 36, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in early 2025, according to his family. The former first-round NFL draft pick had been experiencing tremors and fatigue that doctors later confirmed were symptoms of the degenerative neurological disorder.

Until recently, he had chosen to keep his condition private — but the story surfaced last week, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and former coaches.

Suh was among the first to respond. Within days, he organized a fundraising event through his Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation, donating his most prized piece of memorabilia — the jersey he wore during Nebraska’s dominant 33–0 victory over Arizona in the 2009 Holiday Bowl, his final game as a Husker.

A Jersey That Defined an Era

The jersey, still marked with grass stains and bearing Suh’s stitched nameplate, was displayed inside a protective glass case alongside his handwritten message:

“For my brother in arms. We fought together then, and we’ll fight together now. Love, 93.”

Bidding opened at $200,000 and soared past the million-dollar mark in less than an hour, with contributions pouring in from Nebraska alumni, former players, and NFL colleagues. The winning bid came from a Lincoln-based philanthropist and longtime Cornhusker supporter who plans to donate the jersey to the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.

Prince Amukamara: “He’s Always Been My Protector.”

Amukamara, now living in Arizona with his wife Pilar and their children, released a short video message through the Nebraska Athletics social channels following the auction.

“I don’t have words,” he said, visibly emotional. “Ndamukong’s always been my protector — first on the field, now off it. The Huskers are family for life. I’m going to keep fighting, one day at a time.”

The clip quickly went viral, amassing millions of views across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans sharing old highlights of the pair terrorizing Big 12 offenses in their prime. Hashtags #FightWithPrince and #OnceAHuskerAlwaysAHusker trended nationwide within hours.

From Dominance to Devotion

The story has resonated deeply not only in Lincoln but throughout the entire college football community. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule praised Suh’s actions as “a reflection of the true meaning of being a Husker.”

“What Ndamukong did shows the kind of man he’s become — fierce in competition, but even fiercer in compassion,” Rhule said.

Former teammates also expressed admiration.

Jared Crick, Suh’s linemate in 2009, posted on X:

“Those two built the defense that built Nebraska’s legacy. Seeing Suh do this makes me proud to have worn the same helmet.”

Larry Asante, the former safety and captain, added:

“This is family. It’s what Coach Osborne always said — we don’t quit on each other.”

The City of Lincoln Rallies

Following the announcement, thousands of fans gathered at Memorial Stadium on Sunday evening for a candlelight vigil. Many wore No. 93 jerseys and carried signs reading “For Prince” and “Blackshirts Never Fight Alone.”

Local businesses and alumni groups have pledged additional donations, pushing the total funds raised for the Prince Amukamara Parkinson’s Initiative past $2 million in under 48 hours.

“This isn’t just about football,” Suh told reporters. “It’s about what we owe each other — the love, the loyalty, and the lessons that last far beyond the field.”

A Legacy Greater Than Championships

Suh, 38, retired from the NFL after the 2023 season, closing a career that included five Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl championship with the Buccaneers, and a reputation as one of the greatest defensive players of his generation.

But on this night in Nebraska, his greatest victory had nothing to do with sacks or stats.

“You spend your whole life fighting on the field,” Suh said quietly. “At some point, you realize the real fight is for people — and for hope.”

As the Huskers prepare for their next home game at Memorial Stadium, the university announced that halftime will feature a tribute video honoring both Suh and Amukamara, celebrating their bond and their shared legacy as true sons of Nebraska.

Final Word

In a world often defined by competition, Ndamukong Suh’s gesture reminds everyone that the greatest measure of strength is compassion.

“Once a Blackshirt, always a Blackshirt,” Suh said, looking out at the glowing red skyline of Lincoln. “And once a brother — always a brother.”