OMAHA, Neb. – The state of Nebraska and the Omaha community are mourning the profound loss of Matt Vrzal, a former Nebraska Cornhusker national champion, the beloved owner of Piezon’s Pizzeria, and a sharp-witted radio personality who has died at the age of 51. Vrzal was a larger-than-life figure whose immense heart, infectious humor, and unwavering authenticity left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

News of his passing on Friday was confirmed by multiple media outlets he was closely associated with, including 1620 The Zone and Hurrdat Sports, leading to an immediate and widespread outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the state.

Vrzal’s life was a testament to the Nebraskan spirit. He was a walk-on from Grand Island who, through sheer grit and determination, earned his place on the offensive line during the Huskers’ most dominant era. After football, he channeled that same passion into building a successful business, mentoring young athletes as a coach, and becoming a trusted and hilarious voice on the airwaves.

He was a man of many titles—player, champion, owner, coach, husband, and father—but to the countless people whose lives he touched, he was simply Matt: a loyal friend who was always quick with a joke and always there to lend a hand. As one tribute so poignantly stated, “Nebraska is a little less red today.”

The Husker Years: From Walk-On to National Champion

Matt Vrzal’s story is a classic tale of Nebraska grit. Hailing from Grand Island, he arrived at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not as a five-star recruit, but as a walk-on with a dream of wearing the scarlet and cream. In a program famous for turning overlooked, hardworking Nebraskans into legends, Vrzal fit the mold perfectly.

He joined the team in 1993, earning his spot on the roster through relentless effort in the weight room and on the practice field. He played on the offensive line, a position group that demands toughness, intelligence, and selflessness—all qualities that would define his life. Contributing at both center and guard, Vrzal was a key role player on the legendary teams of the mid-1990s, one of the most dominant dynasties in college football history.

He played in more than 30 games during his career from 1993 to 1996, a period that saw the Huskers achieve unparalleled success. He was a part of two National Championship teams, in 1994 and 1995, contributing to the powerful “Pipeline” offensive line that bulldozed opponents and paved the way for a record-breaking rushing attack. For a generation of Nebraskans, those teams represented the pinnacle of success, a source of immense state pride, and Matt Vrzal was a part of that glory. He embodied the walk-on tradition, proving that with enough heart, a kid from Grand Island could stand on the biggest stage in college football and win.

The Pizza Man: Building a Community at Piezon’s

After his playing days were over, Matt Vrzal brought the same passion and work ethic to a new field of competition: the Omaha restaurant scene. He became the owner of Piezon’s Pizzeria, a local establishment that, under his leadership, became far more than just a place to get a slice of pizza. It became a community hub.

Vrzal was the quintessential owner-operator. He wasn’t a distant figure in a back office; he was the face of the business, often seen greeting customers, working the kitchen, and, of course, talking sports with anyone and everyone who walked through the door. His status as a former Husker made him a local celebrity, but it was his down-to-earth personality that made him a beloved friend to his patrons.

He created an atmosphere at Piezon’s that was welcoming and authentic, much like the man himself. It was a place where families could celebrate after a little league game, where friends could gather to watch the Huskers, and where you were always guaranteed a good meal and an even better conversation.

The statement from 1620 The Zone captured his essence perfectly: “His passion for sports, his honesty, and his humor connected him with his customers and Zone listeners in a way that few ever could.” He didn’t just serve food; he built relationships. He knew his regulars by name, remembered their stories, and treated them like family.

The Voice on The Zone: An Unapologetically Honest Personality

Vrzal’s charisma and deep knowledge of football made him a natural fit for sports talk radio. He became a frequent and cherished guest and contributor on Omaha’s premier sports station, 1620 The Zone. On the air, he was exactly the same person his friends and customers knew him to be: unapologetically himself.

He was known for his sharp wit, his honest and often blunt analysis, and his incredible sense of humor. In a world of polished hot takes, Matt’s commentary was refreshingly real. He spoke from the heart, offering the perspective of someone who had been in the trenches and understood the game on a fundamental level. He could be critical, but his critiques were always grounded in a deep love for the Huskers and a desire to see them succeed.

His on-air presence made him a household name in the Omaha sports community. Listeners felt like they knew him personally, a sentiment reflected in the station’s moving tribute.

“Matt wasn’t just a guest and friend of 1620 The Zone — he was part of our Zone family,” the station said. “His impact stretched far beyond the microphone and the pizzeria.” For his radio colleagues and the thousands of listeners who tuned in to hear him, losing Matt is like losing a trusted and hilarious friend.

The Coach: Giving Back to the Game

Beyond his business and his media work, Matt Vrzal remained deeply connected to the game that had shaped his life. He found a new passion in coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Omaha Skutt Catholic School.

In this role, he was able to pass on the lessons he had learned from his time at Nebraska—the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. He mentored the next generation of athletes, sharing his football knowledge and, more importantly, his life wisdom. For the young players at Skutt, having a two-time national champion as a coach was an incredible opportunity. He was a figure they looked up to, a living example of what could be achieved through hard work.

His coaching was another expression of his generosity, a way of giving back to the community and ensuring that the sport he loved would continue to shape young lives for the better.

A Legacy of Laughter and Kindness

Ultimately, the story of Matt Vrzal is not just about football or pizza. It is about the immense and positive impact one person can have on their community. The outpouring of tributes from every corner of the state tells the story of a man who was universally loved and respected.

The tribute from Hurrdat Sports perfectly encapsulated his spirit: “His passion and love for the game of football was unmatched. There wasn’t a person that crossed his path that didn’t leave with a smile. Matt was unapologetically himself, always quick with a joke, always around to lend a hand when anyone needed anything at all.”

He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a pillar of his community. While his passing at 51 comes far too soon, the legacy he leaves behind is one of joy, authenticity, and kindness. Matt Vrzal lived his life with passion and an open heart, and in doing so, he made Nebraska a better, and happier, place.