Time out with T.O. – Rolling out the ‘Big Red’ carpet

If Matt Davison has his way, a new cheer coming out of the Husker athletic program will soon be, “Go Big Med.”

The former Nebraska football legend visited UNMC/Nebraska Medicine earlier this month and was blown away.

“It was an eye opening experience, a learning experience,” said Davison, who is associate athletic director for football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “I have a deep desire to connect UNMC and our football program. We both have great people — there’s got to be a way we can work together. It’s all about the state.”

Davison said he would love to find a way to get Husker football players and coaches to come to UNMC/Nebraska Medicine and see what he saw. He hopes to get the process rolling as soon as this summer.

While at the medical center, Davison was given a tour of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center by Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the cancer center. He toured the campus with D.J. Thayer, director of business, international and domestic affairs, and William Lawlor, assistant vice chancellor, finance and business services.

“Matt is invested in our state,” Thayer said. “He’s proud of Nebraska. He knows a little about Nebraska’s treasures, so we wanted to show him our Nebraska treasure.”

“I didn’t know enough about the tremendous work being done up here,” Davison said. “The cancer center was incredible, and I learned a lot from Dr. Cowan. I loved the Chihuly Sanctuary and Leslie’s Healing Garden. The healing arts are so impressive. You’ve thought of everything. That’s what people come here to do — to heal.

“It makes me proud as a Nebraskan to be able to treat patients that way. You’re doing so much with research and development.”

A native of Tecumseh, Neb., Davison played wide receiver for the Huskers between 1997-2000. As a freshman, he will forever be remembered for making the most famous reception in Nebraska history when he dove to the ground and hauled in a deflected pass before it hit the ground against Missouri in 1997.

The catch helped the Cornhuskers earn their third national championship in four seasons under Coach Tom Osborne. The quarterback who threw the pass was a senior by the name of Scott Frost.

Thayer concluded the visit by giving Davison a UNMC coat and sweatshirt.

The tremendous hospitality brought a big smile to Davison’s face.

“It’s been a great day,” he said. “We’ll be back. I promise.”