Tom Osborne Awarded National Football Foundation Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Football
Legendary former Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tom Osborne has been honored with the prestigious National Football Foundation (NFF) Gold Medal, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to the game of football and his enduring legacy in collegiate athletics. The Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the NFF, celebrating individuals who exhibit superior qualities of scholarship, citizenship, and leadership.
Osborne’s illustrious coaching career at Nebraska spanned 25 years, during which he amassed a remarkable 255–49–3 record, leading the Cornhuskers to three national championships and 13 conference titles. Beyond the gridiron, Osborne was renowned for his commitment to academic excellence, with his teams consistently achieving high graduation rates.
In addition to his coaching achievements, Osborne served as a U.S. Congressman and later as Nebraska’s athletic director, further demonstrating his dedication to public service and the betterment of amateur athletics.
The NFF Gold Medal has been awarded to a distinguished group of individuals since its inception in 1958, including U.S. Presidents, military leaders, and prominent figures in sports and business. Osborne’s selection places him among this esteemed cohort, acknowledging his profound impact on the sport and its community.
This accolade adds to Osborne’s extensive list of honors, which includes induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the naming of Nebraska’s football field as “Tom Osborne Field” in his honor.
Osborne’s receipt of the NFF Gold Medal serves as a testament to his enduring influence on college football and his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and leade
