Emmett Johnson: From Gridiron to Global Influence – A Husker’s Rise to TIME’s Top 100

In the world of college football, names come and go with the passing of each season. Some shine briefly, others burn out before they begin. But every once in a while, a name rises above the stats, above the scoreboard, and into something much greater — a symbol of character, resilience, and purpose. That name, in 2025, is Emmett Johnson.

This week, Emmett Johnson — a standout running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers — was named to TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Sports, a rare honor for a collegiate athlete. It’s not just a nod to his speed, strength, or stat sheet dominance, but a recognition of the leadership and humanity he brings to the game, and more importantly, to the world around him.

From Minneapolis to Memorial Stadium

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Emmett’s journey to Nebraska was shaped by grit and grounded values. As a high school standout, he was known not just for breaking tackles, but for staying behind after games to help clean up the field. That quiet humility followed him to Lincoln, where he joined the Nebraska program with little fanfare — just focus.

By his sophomore year, Emmett had become more than a role player. He was a force. Known for his explosive cuts, relentless running style, and unshakable focus under pressure, he racked up yards and respect in equal measure. But ask anyone on the team, and they’ll tell you: Emmett’s greatest strength isn’t in his legs — it’s in his heart.

The Moment That Changed Everything

While Emmett was already beloved in Nebraska, it was a single act of compassion that turned him into a national figure.

Earlier this fall, after returning from an away game, Emmett and teammate Jacory Barney Jr. encountered an 8-year-old girl left abandoned at Omaha’s airport. Most walked past, unsure or unwilling to intervene. But not Emmett. Without hesitation, he and Jacory pooled their entire $3,200 student-athlete stipend and the last available flight to reunite the girl with extended family in another state.

They didn’t record it. They didn’t tweet it. But someone nearby saw what happened and shared it. The post went viral within hours.

“We didn’t do it for attention,” Emmett later told The Lincoln Journal Star.

“We did it because that’s someone’s daughter. And if she were my sister, I’d want someone to do the same.”

The story moved millions. Airport staff said they’d never seen anything like it. Nebraska’s head coach praised the duo not just as athletes, but as “young men who carry the kind of values you hope every player learns.”

A Different Kind of Influence

In its annual issue, TIME cited Johnson not just for “his extraordinary athletic potential,” but for the way he uses his influence to uplift, protect, and inspire. In a year when sports were often marked by controversy and ego, Emmett’s quiet act of kindness became a kind of moral reset — a reminder of why we look up to athletes in the first place.

“He represents the best of what sports can do — not just entertain, but transform,” the TIME profile reads.

“Emmett Johnson isn’t waiting to go pro to be a professional human being.”

His name now stands alongside global icons like Coco Gauff, Kylian Mbappé, and Simone Biles. But Emmett shrugs off the comparisons.

“I’m just trying to be useful,” he said in a recent press conference.

“If what I do on or off the field helps someone — that’s what matters most.”

Leadership on and off the Field

Teammates describe Emmett as “the most locked-in guy in the locker room.” Whether leading pre-game prayers, staying late to help a freshman understand the playbook, or organizing volunteer days at Lincoln shelters, he leads by example.

And it’s catching on.

Since the airport incident, more than a dozen student-athletes across the Big Ten have started local kindness campaigns — from donating gear to raising money for underprivileged kids. Several cite Emmett as their inspiration.

“He made it cool to care,” said one Iowa defensive back.

“He reminded us that leadership isn’t just about hype videos or highlight reels.”

Still Just Getting Started

At only 20 years old, Emmett Johnson’s best football days are likely still ahead of him. NFL scouts are watching. Endorsements are circling. And fans in Nebraska are already dreaming of what his senior season could bring.

But none of that seems to phase him.

When asked how it feels to be called one of the most influential athletes in the world, Emmett gave a quiet smile.

“It feels like pressure, but the good kind,” he said.

“It means I have a responsibility now. To stay grounded. To stay real. And to keep showing up when it counts.”

He credits his parents, his coaches, and “a lot of grace” for keeping him centered. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.”

A New Standard for the Future

In an age of NIL deals, highlight-hungry culture, and the often blinding lights of fame, Emmett Johnson’s story reminds us that influence is not just measured in followers or fortune. True influence is measured in who you lift, how you serve, and the legacy you build in the lives of others.

His inclusion in TIME’s Top 100 is more than a personal win — it’s a message to the sports world that character still matters. That how you treat people still defines you. That kindness can still make headlines — and should.

As Nebraska prepares for another season with Emmett in the backfield, fans know they’re watching something special. Not just a great athlete. Not just a leader in red and white. But a man who reminds us what it means to wear a jersey with purpose.