Former Nebraska, Raiders QB Humm dies at 65

David Humm, one of the greatest quarterbacks in Nebraska history who later played for the Oakland Raiders and two other NFL teams, died at his home in Las Vegas from complications of multiple sclerosis. He was 65.

Humm was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988 at age 35 and was confined to a wheelchair permanently in 1997. But he continued to work for several more years as a radio analyst on Raiders games until he was physically unable.

Al Davis, the Raiders' late owner, said Humm had a contract "for life."

After a brilliant high school career in Las Vegas, he chose Nebraska over Alabama, and he led the Cornhuskers to a 27-7-2 record from 1972-74, finishing in the Associated Press Top 10 all three seasons.

"Dave was an outstanding player for us and was a great passer, leading the Big Eight in passing his senior season," said Tom Osborne, who took over from Bob Devaney as head coach before Humm's junior year. "At that time we hadn't switched to the option yet, but we still didn't throw the ball very often. Dave was a great athlete, very accurate and made our passing game effective.

"Most importantly, Dave was a very good person, and in our conversations he always talked about how great his life was despite the circumstances of battling multiple sclerosis for many years. He was also a great father to his daughter, Courtney."

Humm led the Huskers to victories against Notre Dame in the 1972 Orange Bowl, Texas in the 1973 Cotton Bowl and Florida in the 1974 Sugar Bowl. In 1974, he was a first-team All-American and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Humm completed 23 of 27 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-0 victory over Kansas in 1974, with his completion percentage of 85.2 setting a Big Eight record.

Humm's 5,035 career passing yards stood as the Nebraska record until Zac Taylor topped him in 2006. Humm now ranks fifth behind Tommy Armstrong (8,871 from 2013-16); Taylor Martinez (7,258, 2010-13); Taylor (5,850, 2005-06) and Joe Ganz (5,125, 2006-08).

Oakland made Humm a fifth-round draft choice, but he was a career backup in his 10 NFL seasons, behind Kenny Stabler and Jim Plunkett with the Raiders, and played on the team's Super Bowl championship teams after the 1976 and 1984 seasons.

"The entire Raiders family is deeply saddened to learn of David Humm's passing," the Raiders said in a statement. "David was a true Raider in every sense, and the heart of the Raider Nation goes out to his family at this time."

Humm was a prep star in multiple sports at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, and he is considered by many to be the greatest prep quarterback in the city's history.