Former Nebraska captain’s courageous fight ends, leaving lasting legacy
Once a Husker, always a Husker. It’s a motto that keeps every man and woman who has come through the Nebraska Cornhuskers athletic program close to the heart of fans. And that’s why on Saturday night, Husker Nation is saying a sad goodbye to one of their own. Former Nebrasketball player Larry Florence passed away on Saturday after a long battle with cancer.
Florence’s passing was announced on social media by several people close to him, including Jai Steadman. Steadman announced the death with a short but moving post, showing a picture of Florence, his birth date, and the date of his death with the caption, “rest in peace my friend.”
Florence battled multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, for nearly a decade. While that battle was ongoing, the former Nebraska Cornhuskers star was inducted into his former high school’s Hall of Fame. He was, in fact, the first basketball player from Central High in Phenix City, Alabama, to receive that honor.
After graduating from Central, Florence had a successful career with the Nebraska basketball program, starting all four years during his time in Lincoln from 1996 to 2000.
During his career in Lincoln, he earned an Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 team nod in 2000, when he averaged career highs in points (13.3) and rebounds (5.4). He was a leader on and off the court in his senior season, having also been named a Nebraska Team Captain.
