Lincoln - Kenny Walker has achieved a lot of firsts on the football field.
He was the first deaf scholarship player ever for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the first deaf player in the Canadian Football League. But he said he's most proud of the first he achieved Saturday: becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree.
"I think it's probably one of the most important things I've done in my life," Walker said after receiving his bachelor's degree in art, graduating with 1,800 other students during commencement ceremonies at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. "I did it for my boys, too."
His family shared in Walker's happiness. And a row of graduates in the arts and sciences section did the wave as Walker, one of the most popular players ever to wear a Cornhusker uniform, received his degree.
"Football is good," said Dan Offenburger, Walker's father-in-law and the Former athletic director at Creighton University. "But this is great."
Walker, who lost his hearing at age 2 after contracting spinal meningitis, said he hoped that deaf children would be as inspired by his graduation from college as they have been by his football accomplishments.
"It wasn't an easy effort," Walker said. "It's good for them to see I could graduate from the university."
The walk up to the podium in the Bob Devaney Sports Center capped a long road for Walker that began when he arrived on the Lincoln campus from Crane, Texas, in 1986.
He did his course work through the help of an interpreter and excelled on the field, earning All-American honors as a defensive end his senior year in I994.
Walker. 28, said he aspired all along to finish his degree. But the effort took a back seat when he started his pro football career, first playing two years with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League, and then the last two years with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.
Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne was one who never let Walker forget about his studies. When Walker was suddenly cut by the Broncos in 1993, Osborne helped Walker continue his pro career.
"But he kept saying what Kenny really needs to do is finish the degree." Offenburger said. "(Osborne) never lost sight of that. He made a big difference."
Now married with two sons and another child on the way, Walker said his family obligations made his return to school much harder than his studies were during his playing days in Lincoln. But he took classes in the football off-season, completing his last six hours this spring.
Walker's wife, Marti, said Walker hopes to play football for a few more years. Then he will use his art degree to get a job in computer graphics, or go back to school and get a teacher's certificate.
Walker said he has fond memories of his days on campus, especially his final home game as a senior. As Walker was introduced for the last time, 76,000 fans wiggled their-hands in "deaf applause" while Walker responded in sign language "I love you."
"It's a very important part of my life," he said. "The people in Nebraska were very good to me, both on and off campus. I met wonderful people in Lincoln."
On Friday Walker stopped in at the N.U. Athletic Department to thank Osborne, defensive coordinator Charlie McBride and Dennis LeBlanc, the assistant athletic director for academics, for seeing him through.
Walker said he recalled all the flights of Memorial Stadium stairs that Osborne made him run as conditioning for football.
"I don't have to run stairs now," Walker said Saturday. "I've graduated."