CONGRATULATIONS: Nebraska Legend Tom Osborne Honored with National Football Foundation Gold Medal for Lifetime Impact on the Game
LINCOLN, Neb. — In a moment of proud recognition for both a legendary coach and the Nebraska football legacy, Tom Osborne, the former head coach of the Cornhuskers, has been awarded the National Football Foundation’s prestigious Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor.
The award, given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the game of football and American culture, places Osborne among the sport’s most revered figures. He joins a select class of recipients that includes U.S. Presidents, pioneering coaches, and transformative leaders across sports and society.
Osborne, who coached the Cornhuskers from 1973 to 1997, built one of college football’s most dominant dynasties. Under his leadership, Nebraska won three national championships, 13 conference titles, and recorded an astonishing 255–49–3 record. But his legacy extends far beyond the field.
Known for his humility, integrity, and deeply rooted values, Osborne emphasized academic success, character development, and community involvement—principles that helped shape generations of athletes. After coaching, he served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and later as Nebraska’s athletic director, continuing his impact on and off the field.
“This honor reflects not just my journey, but the incredible players, coaches, and staff who made it all possible,” Osborne said in a statement. “Football is a powerful vehicle for teaching leadership, discipline, and unity—and I’m grateful to have been part of that mission.”
The award has sparked celebration across Husker Nation, with fans, alumni, and former players praising the long overdue recognition of a man who not only won games, but shaped lives.
In an era where college sports constantly evolve, Tom Osborne’s legacy remains a steady, gold-standard example of what the game should be—and now, it’s officially been honored as such.
