Mike Ekeler Appreciation Thread

[herbsinator]

Use this thread to post memes, essays, poems, AI synopses, etc. about the greatest Special Teams Coordinator in the land—Mike Ekeler.

 

[2010sarenevercomingback]

Possibly the only worthwhile person to come out of K-State.

 

[herbsinator]

Possibly the only worthwhile person to come out of K-State.

He basically only attended there out of duress. He was quoted at one point as saying that he would have given his right arm to play for Nebraska.

 

[cwessel76]

Saturday night when he saw a few hundred people greet the team coming out of the locker room he said “Holy shit we have the greatest fans in the country.”

 

[Huskersballz]

Love Corch Vyvanse

 

[Dr.DrakeRamoray]

no matter what happens with Rhule, gotta keep Ek

 

[Pipe Line]

He basically only attended there out of duress. He was quoted at one point as saying that he would have given his right arm to play for Nebraska.

The difference between old school and new school football.

 

[herbsinator]

no matter what happens with Rhule, gotta keep Ek

We must protect Ek at all costs

 

[HuskerGarrett]

Here’s a summary of why many Nebraska fans and pundits are making the case that Mike Ekeler is—or could become—the greatest special teams coordinator in Husker history (or at least among the very best). Of course, “greatest” is subjective and depends on results over time, but there are several compelling arguments in his favor:

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Credentials & Track Record​

• Long and diverse experience — Ekeler has over 20 years of coaching experience at high levels, across multiple Power conferences. Husker Athletics+2Husker Athletics+2
• Special Teams success at Tennessee — In his four seasons as special teams coordinator at Tennessee, his units were elite:
  
  • Tennessee led the nation in punt return average across that span. Husker Athletics+1
  • They also ranked first in “percentage of punts downed inside the opponent’s 10-yard line.” Husker Athletics
  • They blocked 8 punts, gave up only 138 punt return yards over that span, and produced multiple NFL punt returners. Husker Athletics+2University of Tennessee Athletics+2
  • His teams were among the SEC leaders in kickoff touchback percentage in his final seasons (around 77.5%). Husker Athletics
• Impactful transformations — When he arrived in Nebraska, one of his first moves was to overhaul the special teams unit:
  
  • He recruited and landed Archie Wilson, an Australian rugby-style punter who can punt with both feet and fits Ekeler’s scheme. Husker Corner+2SI+2
  • He pushed to shift Nebraska’s punting strategy toward a more “rugby punt” style that uses the college rules differently (e.g. getting downfield coverage). SI+1
  • He hasn’t hesitated to make personnel changes: he “suggested” some special teams players move elsewhere and brought in new specialists under his vision. Husker Corner
• Passion, energy, and culture — Multiple observers comment on his intensity, demanding nature, and ability to energize players:
  
  

  “Ekeler is known for his intensity and desire to have the best unit on the field. He … has an infectious attitude which will rub off on his players and fellow coaches.” carrikerchronicles.com
  “Mike Ekeler brings a history of special teams excellence … his energy and true passion for special teams carries over to the players on his units.” Corn Nation

• Strategic mindset & accessibility — He locates one of his offices right next to the weight room / players’ area so that players can drop in and review film quickly; this helps with communication and connection. 247Sports
• Buy-in from leadership — Head coach Matt Rhule has publicly praised Ekeler’s belief in using the college rules (for example, how to handle downing punts) and has emphasized that Ekeler is a key part of the special teams overhaul.

 

[V-Doub]

Possibly the only worthwhile person to come out of K-State.

Well, it could be worse. Cockeye still hasn’t produced a decent person.

 

[Kaladin]

Here’s a summary of why many Nebraska fans and pundits are making the case that Mike Ekeler is—or could become—the greatest special teams coordinator in Husker history (or at least among the very best). Of course, “greatest” is subjective and depends on results over time, but there are several compelling arguments in his favor:

---

Credentials & Track Record​

• Long and diverse experience — Ekeler has over 20 years of coaching experience at high levels, across multiple Power conferences. Husker Athletics+2Husker Athletics+2
• Special Teams success at Tennessee— In his four seasons as special teams coordinator at Tennessee, his units were elite:
  • Tennessee led the nation in punt return average across that span. Husker Athletics+1
  • They also ranked first in “percentage of punts downed inside the opponent’s 10-yard line.” Husker Athletics
  • They blocked 8 punts, gave up only 138 punt return yards over that span, and produced multiple NFL punt returners. Husker Athletics+2University of Tennessee Athletics+2
  • His teams were among the SEC leaders in kickoff touchback percentage in his final seasons (around 77.5%). Husker Athletics
• Impactful transformations— When he arrived in Nebraska, one of his first moves was to overhaul the special teams unit:
  • He recruited and landed Archie Wilson, an Australian rugby-style punter who can punt with both feet and fits Ekeler’s scheme. Husker Corner+2SI+2
  • He pushed to shift Nebraska’s punting strategy toward a more “rugby punt” style that uses the college rules differently (e.g. getting downfield coverage). SI+1
  • He hasn’t hesitated to make personnel changes: he “suggested” some special teams players move elsewhere and brought in new specialists under his vision. Husker Corner
• Passion, energy, and culture — Multiple observers comment on his intensity, demanding nature, and ability to energize players:
  
  
• Strategic mindset & accessibility — He locates one of his offices right next to the weight room / players’ area so that players can drop in and review film quickly; this helps with communication and connection. 247Sports
• Buy-in from leadership — Head coach Matt Rhule has publicly praised Ekeler’s belief in using the college rules (for example, how to handle downing punts) and has emphasized that Ekeler is a key part of the special teams overhaul.

HuskerGarrett,

Thank you for compiling and presenting this information so thoroughly. This is an excellent summary that highlights Coach Ekeler’s credentials, impact, and the reasons so many view him as one of the premier special teams coordinators in Nebraska history. Your effort in gathering and organizing these details is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kaladin

 

[HuskerGarrett]

HuskerGarrett,

Thank you for compiling and presenting this information so thoroughly. This is an excellent summary that highlights Coach Ekeler’s credentials, impact, and the reasons so many view him as one of the premier special teams coordinators in Nebraska history. Your effort in gathering and organizing these details is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kaladin

Hey Kaladin,


I really appreciate that — thank you! I just wanted to give a clear picture of why Ekeler’s impact has been so significant already. He brings that rare mix of energy, detail, and results that Nebraska’s been missing on special teams for a while. Glad you enjoyed the breakdown, and thanks again for taking the time to read it.


– Garrett

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Would you like me to make it sound a little more formal (for a forum or publication context) or keep it casual like this (for a friendly message or thread reply)?

 

[herbsinator]

Hey Kaladin,


I really appreciate that — thank you! I just wanted to give a clear picture of why Ekeler’s impact has been so significant already. He brings that rare mix of energy, detail, and results that Nebraska’s been missing on special teams for a while. Glad you enjoyed the breakdown, and thanks again for taking the time to read it.


– Garrett

---

Would you like me to make it sound a little more formal (for a forum or publication context) or keep it casual like this (for a friendly message or thread reply)?

Please make the reply sound as if it was a classic southern lawyer providing a folksy closing argument to a jury.

 

[HuskerGarrett]

Please make the reply sound as if it was a classic southern lawyer providing a folksy closing argument to a jury.

Well now, Kaladin, I surely do appreciate your kind words. You know, when you take a good hard look at what Coach Ekeler’s brought to this program, it’s plain as a sunrise over the Platte that the man’s got a rare gift. He’s not just coachin’ kick coverage — he’s preachin’ discipline, passion, and pride in the little things that win you ballgames.


I just wanted to lay out the facts the way any honest fella would before a jury of his peers. The evidence speaks for itself: energy, results, and a spark this state’s been itchin’ to see again on Saturdays.


So I thank you kindly for your note, and I reckon the verdict’s clear — the man’s buildin’ somethin’ special in Lincoln.


Respectfully,
Garrett

 

[Jim14510]

I'll cut Barons legs off if that helps keep Ekeler here.

 

[Kaladin]

Well now, Kaladin, I surely do appreciate your kind words. You know, when you take a good hard look at what Coach Ekeler’s brought to this program, it’s plain as a sunrise over the Platte that the man’s got a rare gift. He’s not just coachin’ kick coverage — he’s preachin’ discipline, passion, and pride in the little things that win you ballgames.


I just wanted to lay out the facts the way any honest fella would before a jury of his peers. The evidence speaks for itself: energy, results, and a spark this state’s been itchin’ to see again on Saturdays.


So I thank you kindly for your note, and I reckon the verdict’s clear — the man’s buildin’ somethin’ special in Lincoln.


Respectfully,
Garrett

Garrett,

Well, bless your enthusiasm — truly. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a case presented with quite that much drawl or dramatic flair. You’d make a fine closing argument in a small-town courthouse somewhere south of I-70.

That said, up here, we tend to prefer our verdicts grounded less in “reckonings” and more in data — and so far, the numbers seem to support your case. I’ll admit, Ekeler’s units have looked sharper, and the man’s intensity is infectious.

So here’s to hoping your sunrise over the Platte keeps climbing. If it brings wins in November, even us Yankees will tip our hats.

Respectfully,


Kaladin

 

[HuskerGarrett]

Garrett,

Well, bless your enthusiasm — truly. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a case presented with quite that much drawl or dramatic flair. You’d make a fine closing argument in a small-town courthouse somewhere south of I-70.

That said, up here, we tend to prefer our verdicts grounded less in “reckonings” and more in data — and so far, the numbers seem to support your case. I’ll admit, Ekeler’s units have looked sharper, and the man’s intensity is infectious.

So here’s to hoping your sunrise over the Platte keeps climbing. If it brings wins in November, even us Yankees will tip our hats.

Respectfully,


Kaladin

Well now, Kaladin, I do declare — that might be the finest cross-examination of a compliment I’ve ever received. You’ve got a way with words that’d make any jury lean forward in their seats.


And you’re right — facts are the foundation of any good verdict. But sometimes, when the data and the spirit align, you can feel momentum building before the scoreboard catches up. That’s what I see in Ekeler’s bunch: organization with a pulse, numbers with a heartbeat.


So here’s to the season ahead — may the evidence keep piling up, the field tilt in our favor, and the Platte sunrise shine all the way north of I-70. I’ll be waiting on that hat-tip come November.


Yours in football and faith,
Garrett

 

[cwessel76]

Whatever happened to DeanBot?