Johnny Rodgers Goes Home to Omaha to Fight Drugs, Gangs
OMAHA, Neb. — Former Nebraska running back Johnny Rodgers has returned to his hometown to fight drugs and gangs.
The 1972 Heisman trophy winner said he will organize a group called Professional Athletes’ Community Effort, or PACE, that would coordinate community response to drug and gang problems.
Mayor P.J. Morgan met Thursday with Rodgers to discuss plans. Rodgers lived in San Diego for several years.
Rodgers, a star wingback with the Cornhuskers, was accompanied Thursday by Gene Renard, principal of a center that opened last fall to provide education and counseling for youths who have dropped out of school.
Renard said he and Rodgers are working to increase funding for the center.
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