Hall of Famer Gifford Nielsen’s Messages to Cougar Nation, Injury Lessons, NFL Years, BYU QB Future

Описание: College Football Hall of Famer and former BYU All-American quarterback Gifford Nielsen joined Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler on Y’s Guys for a powerful conversation about faith, football, and leadership. Nielsen reflected on his career-ending knee injury against Oregon State in 1977, sharing how he and his wife Wendy had written down their priorities before the season—focusing not on personal awards, but on BYU’s growth as a program. When the injury came, opening that letter gave him peace and perspective. The setback became one of the greatest lessons of his life: it’s never just about you—it’s about the team and the program.

Nielsen also shared his comeback story, explaining how Dr. Robert Metcalf—pioneer of arthroscopic surgery—operated on his knee, allowing him to go on to play six seasons in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. He spoke about the importance of great quarterback coaching, his time with Bum Phillips and King Hill, and the enduring influence of BYU legends like Doug Scoville and LaVell Edwards. Nielsen also recalled his interactions with President Russell M. Nelson, including lighthearted stories about nearly paying Nielsen’s power bill and inspirational insights about faith, learning, and leadership.

Turning to the present, Nielsen gave his assessment of BYU’s true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. He praised Bachmeier’s toughness and fearlessness, noting how Stanford defenders targeted him in their matchup but couldn’t shake his confidence. Nielsen emphasized that fans must be patient as Bachmeier grows into his role, learning to read blitz packages and trusting his teammates. He believes Bachmeier has the arm talent, mentality, and leadership skills to become a star as the game slows down for him.

The interview closed with Nielsen’s “Top 5 Most Influential People” from his football career—highlighting high school coaches Dick Hill and Bry Lake, NFL mentor King Hill, Houston Oilers coach Bum Phillips, BYU offensive coordinator Doug Scoville, and, of course, LaVell Edwards. Nielsen left Cougar Nation with encouragement: trust the process, support the young quarterback, and enjoy this special moment for BYU athletics across every sport.

#BYUFootball #GiffordNielsen #GoCougs #CougarNation #Ysguys #Big12Football #BYUSports #BearBachmeier #LaVellEdwards #FaithFamilyFootball #LDS #BYU

Timestamps (approximate)

00:48 – Oregon State injury in 1977: the play that ended a Heisman run
01:36 – Writing down priorities with wife Wendy before the season; perspective after the injury
03:25 – Lesson learned: “It’s not about you—it’s about the program”
04:40 – Comeback story: knee surgery, rehab, and NFL opportunity with the Houston Oilers
05:36 – Dr. Robert Metcalf and the rise of arthroscopic surgery
06:06 – Stories of President Russell M. Nelson, innovation, and faith
07:59 – Assessment of BYU freshman QB Bear Bachmeier vs. Stanford
09:11 – “Game inside the game”: facing Stanford after transferring from their program
10:43 – Bachmeier’s toughness, arm strength, and patience under pressure
12:33 – What BYU fans can expect as Bachmeier develops
14:51 – Addressing the BYU team before the season: “Every team writes a story”
16:39 – Advice to Bear: leadership, accountability, and owning the huddle
17:09 – Why patience and early wins are vital for confidence and growth
18:04 – What Bear should work on during the bye week
18:53 – Praise for BYU’s defense and special teams; QB’s job is to grow steadily
20:06 – Importance of run game and O-line to protect a young QB
22:41 – Role of Aaron Roderick (A-Rod) tailoring the offense to Bachmeier’s skills
23:33 – Lessons from Zach Wilson’s struggles in the NFL without a QB coach
24:00 – Memories of President Nelson’s 95th birthday and personal experiences
25:37 – Funny story: President Nelson almost paid Nielsen’s power bill
26:44 – Reflections on President Nelson’s wisdom, leadership, and influence
28:22 – BYU Pathway Worldwide’s growth in West Africa and global impact
30:08 – Five Most Influential People in Nielsen’s football career
#5 – Dick Hill & Bry Lake (high school coaches)
#4 – King Hill (NFL QB coach, Oilers)
#3 – Bum Phillips (NFL coach, Oilers)
#2 – Doug Scoville (BYU offensive coordinator)
#1 – LaVell Edwards (BYU head coach)
37:04 – Final reflections on BYU’s program, leadership, and patience with young QB