Joe Blahak, 65, Dies Monday; Services Set for Thursday

The late Joe Blahak (No. 27) created a path for Johnny Rodgers' punt return in the 1971 Game of the Century.Randy York N-Sider

Official Blog of the Huskers

A leading character in one of the most famous plays in Nebraska football history died Monday from an apparent heart attack. After recovering from a stroke about five years ago, Joe Blahak, 65, died in Lincoln. His memorial service is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 31st and “S” Streets in Lincoln.

A junior cornerback for Bob Devaney’s top-ranked Nebraska team in the 1971 Game of the Century against second-ranked Oklahoma, Blahak made the signature block that allowed Johnny Rodgers to “tear” the Sooners “loose…