Larry Tomlinson

O'Neill SM

Class of

2024

Biography

Larry was a successful player at all 3 levels of High School, College, and Professional football. From 1955 to 1958, he starred as a Tight-End & Linebacker for legendary Coach Don Templemeyer and the Cardinals. In that span, the team won three Conference Championships while also racking up back-to-back undefeated seasons and claiming the 1958 State Title. Larry was named 1st Team All-Niobrara Valley and 1st Team All-State and was also selected to play in the very first Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game. After his stellar prep career, he went on to become a 3-year varsity letterwinner at the University of Nebraska. Playing both ways from 1961 to 1963, Larry has the historic distinction of being the first Cornhusker to score a TD in the Bob Devaney Era. During his senior campaign, Larry scored two touchdowns on offense, two touchdowns on defense, and added a safety- while helping lead NU to a Big 8 Conference Championship and a victory over Auburn in the 1964 Orange Bowl. After college, he was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes and played three seasons in the CFL. Larry went on to spend his next 30 years as a successful high school teacher and coach. In 2009, he was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame and now the NEMFCA is honored to induct him into the 8-Man Hall of Fame Class of 2024.