โ Legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach and former U.S. Congressman Tom Osborne has been honored with the National Football Foundation (NFF) Gold Medal, the organizationโs highest and most prestigious award. The recognition celebrates Osborneโs extraordinary legacy and his lifelong contribution to the game of football, leadership, and public service.
The NFF Gold Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated superior leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellenceโvalues deeply aligned with the mission of the Foundation. Osborne joins an elite group of recipients that includes former presidents, military leaders, and football icons.
“Tom Osborne has exemplified excellence in every arena of his lifeโon the field, in Congress, and in his community,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. โHis leadership has touched countless lives, and he represents the very best of what the game of football can produce.โ
Osborne, 87, served as the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997, compiling an incredible career record of 255โ49โ3. Under his guidance, the Cornhuskers claimed three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997) and 13 conference titles. His teams were known for their discipline, power running game, and unshakable focus, turning Nebraska into a perennial college football powerhouse.
Beyond wins and titles, Osborne was admired for his ethical leadership and the holistic development of student-athletes. After retiring from coaching, he served as a U.S. Representative for Nebraskaโs 3rd district (2001โ2007) and later returned to the university as Athletic Director. He also founded the TeamMates Mentoring Program, which has helped thousands of young people through positive role modeling.
โFootball taught me a lot about life, but more importantly, it gave me a platform to help shape young men into better people,โ Osborne said during his acceptance speech. โThis honor is shared with every player, coach, and colleague who walked this journey with me.โ
The award was presented at the NFFโs Annual Awards Dinner in New York City, where Osborne received a standing ovation from an audience of players, coaches, and dignitaries from across the nation.
Tom Osborneโs enduring legacy as a coach, mentor, and public servant reflects a life dedicated not only to winning games but also to uplifting othersโa true embodiment of what the National Football Foundation Gold Medal stands for.
