On December 9, 2025, the National Football Foundation (NFF) bestowed its prestigious Gold Medal, its highest honor, upon Tom Osborne, the legendary former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to football and his exemplary leadership, integrity, and service to the community. This accolade, presented at the NFF’s 67th Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, places Osborne among an elite group, including seven U.S. Presidents and four U.S. Generals, who have received this honor for embodying the values of amateur football, scholarship, and citizenship.
Osborne’s 25-year tenure as Nebraska’s head coach from 1973 to 1997 is a cornerstone of his legacy. Born in Hastings, Nebraska, Osborne was a multi-sport star, earning all-state honors in football and basketball and the state discus title. After a brief NFL career as a wide receiver, he joined Nebraska’s staff under Bob Devaney in 1962, rising to head coach in 1973. Over his career, Osborne amassed a 255-49-3 record, a .836 winning percentage, with 13 conference titles and three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997). His teams never missed a bowl game, and his final five seasons yielded an astonishing 60-3 record. His innovative I-formation offense and emphasis on a strong rushing game redefined college football, influencing generations of coaches.
Beyond the field, Osborne’s impact is profound. The NFF Gold Medal, as outlined on footballfoundation.org, honors individuals who reflect the values of amateur sport, achieve success in their careers, and contribute to public welfare with unblemished integrity. Osborne’s life exemplifies these criteria. He earned a doctorate in educational psychology, served as a U.S. Congressman from 2001 to 2007, and returned as Nebraska’s athletic director from 2007 to 2013, guiding the program through a transitional period. His community service includes teaching Sunday school, speaking for the American Heart Association, and supporting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 1995, he received the NFF’s Distinguished American Award, and in 1999, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Osborne’s 2025 Gold Medal, as reported by sources like the Omaha World-Herald, highlights his role as a mentor and innovator. His coaching staffs were known for their stability, with assistants often declining head coaching jobs to stay with him, a testament to his leadership. The NFF also recognized his establishment of the TeamMates Mentoring Program, which has impacted thousands of youths since 1991. “Tom Osborne’s life reflects the best of what football can inspire,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 2019 co-recipient of the FBA’s Champions Award with Osborne.
At 88, Osborne’s legacy endures. Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium bears “Tom Osborne Field,” and the NAIA’s national football championship trophy is named in his honor. His 2025 Gold Medal cements his status as a transformative figure, not just for Nebraska but for football itself. From Hastings to Capitol Hill, Osborne’s integrity, faith, and dedication have left an indelible mark, proving that his contributions extend far beyond wins, shaping lives and the sport’s future.
