What It Means to Be a Cornhusker During Football Season: Belonging, Belief, and Grit

There's something magical about autumn Saturdays in Lincoln, Nebraska. When 85,000 fans pack Memorial Stadium dressed in red, creating what locals call "The Sea of Red," you witness more than just football. You're seeing belonging, belief, and grit in action—three qualities that separate high-performing cultures from the rest.

As someone who's spent years helping leaders build stronger teams, I've learned that the most powerful lessons often come from unexpected places. Nebraska Cornhuskers football isn't just about touchdowns and tackles. It's a masterclass in organizational culture that's been running since 1890.

The Power of Deep Belonging

Walk through any tailgate lot surrounding Memorial Stadium three hours before kickoff, and you'll see something remarkable. Strangers become family over grilled burgers and shared stories. Fans who've never met bond instantly over their devotion to the Big Red. This isn't just team loyalty—it's belonging at its finest.

Here's what strikes me: these fans don't just watch the Cornhuskers. They are Cornhuskers. That identity runs deeper than a jersey or a win-loss record. It's woven into the fabric of who they are.

In your organization, are you creating mere employees or true believers? The difference is profound. Employees show up for paychecks. True believers show up for purpose.

I've seen this distinction destroy companies and elevate others. The teams that thrive—whether they're football squads or Fortune 500 leadership groups—understand that belonging isn't built through company retreats and team-building exercises alone. It's forged through shared identity, common purpose, and mutual investment in something bigger than individual success.

The Cornhuskers figured this out over a century ago. They became the sole athletic institution with such deep significance to their entire state. Every autumn, they don't just represent Lincoln or even the university—they carry the hopes and dreams of virtually the entire Nebraska population. That's the kind of belonging that moves mountains.

Unwavering Belief in Action

Let me tell you about the "Husker Power" chant. Picture this: 85,000 people split the stadium in half. One side shouts "HUSKER!" The other roars back "POWER!" The sound is deafening, the energy electric. This isn't just crowd noise—it's collective belief made audible.

But here's what really gets me: this tradition happens regardless of the team's record. Whether the Cornhuskers are heading to the championship or struggling through a rebuilding year, that chant echoes with the same intensity. That's what unwavering belief looks like.

In leadership, we talk about "psychological safety" and "growth mindset," but sometimes we overcomplicate things. The Cornhuskers have shown us that belief isn't fragile—it's fierce. It doesn't fluctuate with quarterly earnings or monthly metrics. True organizational belief withstands setbacks, celebrates progress, and maintains hope even in tough seasons.

I've watched leaders destroy team belief by treating it like a light switch—turning on enthusiasm when things go well, dimming hope when challenges arise. The most successful leaders I coach understand that belief is like the Nebraska balloon release tradition that happens after every first touchdown. Those red balloons soar regardless of whether it's the team's only score or the first of many. The celebration happens because the moment matters, not because the outcome is guaranteed.

Grit That Defines Character

Now let's talk about the Blackshirts. Since the 1960s, Nebraska's defense has worn this intimidating nickname with pride. The skull-and-crossbones signs, the "Throwing the Bones" hand gesture—it all screams toughness. But here's the real test of Cornhusker grit: win or lose, fans applaud the opposing team as they leave the field.

Think about that for a moment. After potentially watching their beloved Cornhuskers get outplayed for three hours, these fans still show class and respect. That's not weakness—that's strength. That's the kind of grit that builds lasting success.

True grit isn't about being the loudest or the most aggressive. It's about maintaining your standards when everything's falling apart. It's about showing character when no one's watching. It's about honoring your values even when they cost you something.

I see leaders confuse grit with stubbornness all the time. They think being tough means never backing down, never adapting, never showing vulnerability. But the Cornhuskers demonstrate a different kind of toughness—one that's rooted in principle rather than pride.

Building Your Own Sea of Red

So what does this mean for you as a leader? How do you create belonging, belief, and grit in your organization?

Start with identity, not strategy. Before you worry about quarterly goals or annual targets, ask yourself: Who are we? What do we stand for? The Cornhuskers didn't become beloved by trying to please everyone—they became legendary by being authentically themselves.

Celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Those balloon releases happen after every first touchdown, not just game-winning scores. Find reasons to acknowledge progress, effort, and character in your team. Small celebrations build the muscle memory for bigger victories.

Make your values visible. The Blackshirts tradition isn't hidden in a policy manual—it's displayed proudly for everyone to see. Your organizational values can't be abstract concepts buried in orientation materials. They need to show up in how you hire, how you promote, and how you handle challenges.

Create rituals that matter. The Tunnel Walk, the "Husker Power" chant, the respectful applause for opponents—these aren't accidents. They're intentional traditions that reinforce culture. What rituals exist in your organization? Do they strengthen the bonds between team members or just fill time on the calendar?

The Ripple Effect of True Culture

Here's something beautiful about the Cornhusker experience: when fans sway their arms during the fight song, they create massive ripples throughout the Sea of Red. Individual movements become collective waves. Personal passion transforms into organizational power.

That's what happens when you get belonging, belief, and grit right in your leadership. Individual team members don't just contribute—they amplify each other. Personal excellence becomes team excellence. Individual commitment becomes organizational culture.

I've seen this ripple effect transform struggling companies into industry leaders. It starts with leaders who understand that culture isn't what happens in conference rooms—it's what happens in the hearts and minds of every person on your team.

Your Fourth Quarter Moment

Every Saturday in Lincoln, 85,000 people demonstrate what's possible when belonging, belief, and grit come together. They show us that loyalty isn't bought—it's earned. They prove that tradition isn't old-fashioned—it's foundational. They remind us that true strength is measured not by what you take, but by what you give.

As you think about your own leadership journey, ask yourself these questions: Are you building employees or creating believers? Are you managing tasks or nurturing identity? Are you surviving challenges or using them to strengthen your team's character?

The lessons from Nebraska football aren't just for autumn Saturdays in Lincoln. They're for Monday morning meetings in Manhattan, Thursday afternoon crises in Chicago, and late-night problem-solving sessions in your hometown. They're for every moment when you have the choice to build something bigger than yourself.

The Cornhuskers have been doing this for over 130 years. They've figured out that winning isn't just about the scoreboard—it's about the standards you keep, the people you serve, and the legacy you leave.

What kind of culture are you building? And more importantly, what would your team's "Sea of Red" look like when everyone's moving in the same direction?

The answer starts with belonging, belief, and grit. Everything else is just keeping score.