November 5, 2026 | Football
News
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Former Illini offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion David Diehl will serve as the Fighting Illini's honorary captain for Friday's game against Nebraska at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Diehl was a four-year letterwinner for the Illini from 1999-2002 and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a senior. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and spent 11 seasons in New York.
Diehl started 164 games for the Giants, 13th-most in Giants history. He started and helped the Giants win two Super Bowls — Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, both against the New England Patriots.
Diehl was selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl and was named a Second Team All-Pro during the 2008 season. Since retiring from the NFL, Diehl has been involved in coaching, leadership, and media.
Friday's game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. CT on FOX.
