Running to Freedom: A Conversation with Willie Miller

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This is a must-listen episode of Generation Red: A Husker Podcast, as Scott and I sit down at the GenRed Table with none other than former Husker fullback and 1997 National Champion, Willie Miller. 

We open things up with some lighthearted banter by asking Willie about being the first offensive player to wear #15 after the graduation of the legendary Tommie Frazier, and then move into his recruitment to and time as a Nebraska Cornhusker, including the big role he played in the win against the Volunteers just two years after that '97 title in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl. 

Then we move on to an in-depth, emotional, and very candid conversation about the topic that is most near and dear to all three of our hearts: recovery from addiction and alcoholism. After football at Nebraska was over, Willie dealt with nagging injuries that led him down the long, dark road of addiction to pain medication, alcohol, and even a period of homelessness and hopelessness. 

Then some folks stepped into his life and offered hope. Hope in the form repairing his long-term football injuries, and the opportunity to be free from his addictions, through faith and 12-step recovery principles. 

That conversation sparked an even deeper dive into the recovery journeys of both Scott and myself. Willie's story is a part of mine, and a big reason for why our podcast is what it is: a conversation. We love Husker football, but our hope is that this show will not be afraid to go deeper than just our fandom. We want it to be about relationships. With each other, with guests, and with other podcasts. 

At the very end, Willie was gracious enough to be the first person to participate in a new GenRed Tradition: Signing the Sign. For our audio podcast listeners, you'll have to go to our YouTube channel to see what that means. 

We hope you enjoyed the show, and would love for you to contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions. Use the links below to find us on social media, or to send an email. 

Also, look us up on the web, where you can stream the latest episode right in your browser, or download it from the library. You will also find subscribe links to all the major podcast platforms on our website as well. 

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