Who was Matt Vrzal? Tributes Pour in After Former Nebraska Player and Piezon’s Pizza Owner Passes Away

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, sad news came from Nebraska. Matt Vrzal, a former Nebraska Huskers football player and the owner of Piezon’s Pizzeria in Omaha, has passed away at the age of 51.

The news of his death was first announced by 1620 The Zone, a radio station where Vrzal often hosted shows. The station described him as more than a guest, saying he was part of their “Zone family.”

Tributes for Matt Vrzal

The radio station shared an emotional tribute on Facebook. They wrote that Vrzal’s honesty, humor, and passion for sports made him special to both listeners and customers. They added that his impact went beyond the microphone and the pizza shop.

Fans, friends, and former teammates also expressed their grief. Many remembered him as a hardworking man who always connected with people in a genuine way.

Matt Vrzal’s Early Life and Career

Matt Vrzal was born in 1974. He grew up in Nebraska and played high school football at Grand Island High School, where he received USA Today Honorable-Mention All-America honors.

In 1993, he joined the Nebraska Huskers as a walk-on offensive lineman. He played in more than 30 games between 1993 and 1996. Vrzal was part of the National Championship-winning teams in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, he also earned Honorable-Mention Academic All-Big 12.

Life Beyond Football

After graduating with a finance degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Vrzal worked at Anheuser-Busch before entering the restaurant business. He later opened Piezon’s Pizzeria in Omaha, which became a popular neighborhood spot.

He once explained why he didn’t display football photos in his restaurant: “We wanted more substance than style. We’re just a neighborhood pizza spot where families can enjoy dinner together.”

Sports and Media Work

Vrzal stayed close to football even after retiring as a player. He worked as a podcaster, radio host, and assistant football coach at Omaha Skutt Catholic School. He hosted the Husker Hangover podcast and 51/15 with Tommie Frazier, while also guest-hosting on 1620 The Zone.

His passion for sports, business, and community made him a well-loved figure across Nebraska.