Nebraska Mourns Matt Vrzal, Former Cornhusker Lineman, Pizzeria Owner, and Beloved Radio Host, After His Sudden Death at 51
Rest easy, Matt. Once a Husker, always a Husker.
September 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 26, 2026
The Nebraska football world and the Omaha community are mourning the unexpected death of Matt Vrzal.
Matt, a former Cornhusker offensive lineman, pizzeria owner, radio host, and coach, passed away on September 25, 2026, at age 51 after a medical emergency.
His big personality and warm heart touched everyone he met.
Friends, teammates, and fans are sharing memories and condolences, grieving a man who lived life with passion and brought people together.
Matt Vrzal (Source: )Matt was born on July 12, 1974, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to parents Terry and Nancy. He grew up with his younger sister, Megan, in a family that was passionate about sports.
\Following in his father’s footsteps, Matt played every game with intensity. At Grand Island High School, he starred as an offensive guard and defensive tackle.
His team finished second in Class A in 1990. Matt earned Lincoln Journal Star Super-State and Omaha World-Herald All-State honors.
He was also a stellar student, graduating in the top 10% of his class and earning Academic All-State recognition.
Colleges like Iowa State and Wyoming offered scholarships, but Matt chose to walk on at the .
Starting in 1992, he worked his way into the lineup and played in 31 games during that season.
He helped the Huskers win national championships in 1994 and 1995 as part of the famous “Pipeline” offensive line.
Off the field, he earned academic honors like Honorable-Mention Academic All-Big 12 and spots on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Phillips 66 Academic Honor Roll.
His time in Lincoln built lifelong friendships with teammates.
After College, Matt Stayed Close to Football
He coached offensive lines at several Nebraska high schools, teaching the same grit he learned as a player.
He also became a familiar voice on 1620 The Zone, co-hosting shows like Husker Hangover and 51/15 with Hurrdat Sports.
Fans loved his honest takes and stories from his playing days. His humor and love for the Huskers shone through every broadcast.
Matt’s energy carried into business, too. At 24, he worked for Anheuser-Busch in Lincoln and bought into Lazzari’s Pizza and a bar.
He later joined ownership groups for Lincoln’s Sidetrack Tavern and Lizard Lounge. Years later, he opened Piezon’s Pizzeria in Omaha, turning it into a local favorite.
Customers didn’t just come for the pizza; they came for Matt’s stories about high school football, his Husker days, or cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs.
He once told an Omaha interviewer,
“Football is the best game to prepare for life. Your team’s success depends on everyone working toward a common goal.”
ViaMatt applied that mindset to his work in finance as well, tackling challenges with focus.
A self-described people person, Matt had a knack for storytelling.
He could jump from memories of playing under Coach Ken Fischer at Grand Island to his walk-on days at Nebraska to watching the Cubs.
He volunteered with groups like Pacific Pals Youth Group and Merry Makers, always giving back.
Even in his free time, he rooted for the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs, showing his loyalty ran deep.
News of his Death Hit Hard Across Nebraska
Dave Hergenrader, a former coach, shared his grief:
“I just learned Matt Vrzal has passed. I loved listening to him on podcasts and call-in shows. I met him a few times at Piezon’s in Omaha. He was a great guy. He was like a brother to Damon Benning. Please keep Damon, Matt’s family, friends, and teammates in your prayers. This one hurts deeply.”
ViaAngela Caldwell, a former co-worker, wrote,
“RIP Matt Vrzal! You were one of the good guys. We loved joking with you at Lazzari’s Pizza and working together at The Bar and Downtown with Neal Grummert, Gregg List, and Seth Regan. I feel lucky to have known you. We visited your new pizza place in Omaha too. Gone too soon, kind friend. You’re up with Neal now.”
Via1620 The Zone posted,
Teammates shared their pain too. One wrote,
BRGR – BIG Red Gets REAL added,
“Rest easy, Matt Vrzal. Truly one of the Pipeline greats. Fly high, man. Once a Husker, always a Husker.”
Via FacebookThe Nebraska 8-Man Football Coaches Association said, “We’re heartbroken by the loss of Matt Vrzal.
He gave his time to our community at our clinic and called our championship games. A genuine football guy. He will be missed.”
Matt is survived by his mother, Nancy, and sister, Megan Buettenback, along with many loved ones. His father, Terry, passed away on January 23, 2006, at age 57.
Matt Vrzal lived like he played full speed, with heart, and always for the team. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love for the state of Nebraska.
Rest easy, Matt. Once a Husker, always a Husker.
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