**Surprising News: Nebraska Cornhuskers Coach Matt Rhule Issues Apology After Posting Views Opposing Same-Sex Marriage**
*Lincoln, NE – May 10, 2025*
Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach Matt Rhule is facing intense scrutiny after a recent social media post in which he expressed personal views opposing same-sex marriage. The post, which appeared briefly on Rhule’s verified account before being deleted, ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans, players, alumni, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. In response to the backlash, Rhule issued a public apology on Friday, stating that his words did not reflect the values of inclusion and respect that he strives to uphold.
### The Controversial Post
The controversy began Thursday evening when Rhule shared a post to X (formerly Twitter), in which he wrote:
*”I believe in traditional marriage between a man and a woman. That’s my personal conviction, and I won’t apologize for standing by it.”*
The message was accompanied by a quote from a religious leader and hashtags including #FaithFamilyFootball and #StandFirm. Though the post was taken down within hours, screenshots had already begun circulating widely across social media platforms, prompting a swift and vocal reaction from the public.
Many saw the message as insensitive and exclusionary, especially coming from a leader of a major college football program that includes athletes, staff, and fans from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
### Backlash and Public Response
Reaction was swift. Players and recruits began voicing concern privately, and some fans took to social media to call for clarification or even Rhule’s resignation.
The Nebraska Alumni Pride Network, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ alumni and students, issued a statement late Thursday night:
*”Coach Rhule’s comments are not only hurtful but send a message of exclusion to members of the Husker family who identify as LGBTQ+. The University of Nebraska must ensure that all students and athletes feel welcomed, valued, and supported.”*
The university’s athletics department initially declined to comment, but pressure mounted quickly. Prominent donors and university officials were reportedly involved in closed-door conversations late Thursday and early Friday.
### Rhule Issues Apology
By Friday afternoon, Coach Rhule issued a formal statement on video and in writing, attempting to clarify his views and apologize for the impact of his words.
> “I want to begin by apologizing to anyone who felt hurt, disrespected, or excluded by my recent post. While I shared a personal belief that is rooted in my upbringing and faith, I now understand how my words could be seen as dismissive or harmful to those in the LGBTQ+ community. That was never my intention,” Rhule said in the video posted to the official Nebraska Athletics page.
> “Football is about bringing people together, not pushing them apart. I’ve always said this team is a family—and that includes *everyone*, regardless of who they are or who they love.”
Rhule also stated that he would be meeting with LGBTQ+ groups on campus and working with inclusion and sensitivity training experts in the coming weeks to “better understand how to be an ally and leader for *all* my players and staff.”
### University Responds
Shortly after Rhule’s statement, University of Nebraska Chancellor Rodney Bennett issued a statement supporting Rhule’s apology while reaffirming the university’s values.
> “The University of Nebraska is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, and respect. We appreciate Coach Rhule’s willingness to reflect on his words and the impact they may have had. We expect all members of our community—especially those in leadership—to uphold these values.”
Athletic Director Trev Alberts also acknowledged the situation:
> “Coach Rhule has taken responsibility for his words and is taking steps to make amends. This has been a learning moment, and we will move forward as a program committed to unity.”
### Mixed Reactions Continue
Despite the apology, reactions remained mixed on Friday and into the weekend.
Some supporters defended Rhule’s right to express personal religious beliefs, arguing that free speech includes the ability to voice traditional or conservative viewpoints, especially if done respectfully.
Others, however, felt the apology didn’t go far enough or questioned the sincerity of Rhule’s remarks. Several sports commentators and former players weighed in on national sports networks, with ESPN’s Paul Finebaum noting:
> “This is a clear example of the tension between personal beliefs and public responsibility. When you’re the face of a major program, your words carry weight—and they can either build bridges or burn them.”
Former Husker player Michael Samuels tweeted:
> “Disappointed in Coach Rhule’s initial post. Grateful for the apology—but inclusion has to be more than just words after backlash. It needs to be part of the culture.”
### Impact on the Program
The fallout comes at a delicate time for the Nebraska football program. Rhule, in his second year as head coach, has been tasked with rebuilding a once-proud football dynasty. His first season saw modest improvements, and recruiting efforts have been central to his plan for revival.
Insiders say that some recruits and their families have reached out to the athletic department for reassurance about the program’s stance on inclusion and diversity.
One anonymous recruit’s parent told the *Lincoln Journal Star*:
> “We want to send our child to a school where they’re respected for who they are, and that includes their teammates. I’m glad Coach Rhule apologized, but we’ll be watching closely.”
University spokespersons confirmed that no players have entered the transfer portal in direct response to the controversy but acknowledged that staff have been in communication with current players to offer support and maintain dialogue.
### Looking Ahead
Rhule’s apology may have calmed the storm for now, but many say the situation should serve as a broader lesson for college athletics, where personal values and public leadership often intersect.
LGBTQ+ student groups on campus plan to host a forum on inclusivity in athletics next week and have invited Rhule to attend. It is unclear whether he will participate, but early signals suggest he is open to continued engagement.
Meanwhile, the Huskers are set to begin their summer workouts later this month, and the focus will need to return to football as Rhule works to regain trust within the program and its wider community.
For many fans, this incident has underscored the evolving expectations placed on public figures in sports—and the powerful influence they wield not only on the field but off of it.
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