He’s just worked. Whether you’re describing former star Rodney Anderson or current Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson, there’s a common theme. They just work. From injuries to stardom, the Anderson legacy goes beyond just their work on the field.
Nic Anderson’s Legacy Foundation
In a lot of ways, Rodney and Nic are very similar, and not just because they’re brothers. Injuries have played a part in their journey, unfortunately, but it’s helped them keep perspective of what they want.
Rodney’s career was riddled with injuries, something that ultimately ended his football career. The 6’2″ and 218-pound running back didn’t play an entire season until the 2017 season but exploded for 1,442 total yards and 18 total touchdowns.
In 2018, he suffered a knee injury against UCLA, and that essentially ended his playing career.
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Nic found himself in a similar position last year as injuries limited him to just three games. Any athlete knows the challenges of going through rehab, but having Rodney (and his other brother, Ryder) in his corner helped him navigate those struggles.
So you’re saying injuries are Anderson’s legacy? Not at all. Everyone loves a good comeback story, and Nic’s includes adversity along with his drive to return to 100%. His competitive nature combined with his brothers’ support ensured that he would get back on the field soon enough. Once he got back, the results came almost immediately.
A Bright Future
On the field, Nic Anderson proves to be the talented player that Oklahoma recruited out of high school. His work ethic is what makes him such a good football player, and it’s also what helped him get back to 100%. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s becoming a go-to weapon for the Sooners this year.
It’s tough to stand out for the Oklahoma Sooners with how much talent they recruit. At 6’4″ and 207 pounds, his combination of size and speed make him a special talent. We’ve seen glimpses of his potential so far, and it’s getting fans excited about his future.
His breakout performance against Tulsa was just the beginning. A three-catch, 120-yard, and three-touchdown game reminded us just how good he can be, and we’re seeing those flashes become more consistent. We’re also seeing Nic’s ability to stay locked in even when he’s not contributing to the box score. Just like Rodney.
One of the best things about the Anderson brothers is that they’re always ready for the spotlight. They could have been silent all game, but they know they’ve prepared for the big moments.
In 2017, Rodney had a relatively average game against Kansas State. The Wildcats kept him out of the endzone through three quarters, but the Sooners star running back scored two touchdowns in the final 1:19 of the game to give Oklahoma a 42-35 win.
Nic did something similar in Oklahoma’s biggest game of the year. Against Texas, Nic hadn’t caught a single pass all game. Yet, when the Sooners needed him most, he delivered.
With 23 seconds remaining, quarterback Dillon Gabriel found Anderson in the back of the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown. His final stat line: one catch, three yards, and one touchdown.
When creating a legacy, it’s not always about putting up monster numbers. It’s usually about the story. Rodney Anderson didn’t have the longest impact on Oklahoma football, but people remember his name. Now, when they talk about Nic Anderson, they also remember Rodney.
In a way, Anderson’s story is very relatable to many. Whether you’re going through adversity or experiencing success, just work and good things will come. Nic has learned a lot from Rodney’s journey, and he’ll continue working to add to an incredible story already.