Tom Osborne unanimously selected as first living Nebraska Hall of Fame inductee

Commission member Jim Rose, a former Husker broadcaster, nominated Osborne to the Hall of Fame, calling him "the most impactful Nebraskan — both home and abroad — over the last 50 years."

Republican Gov. Jim Pillen, who played for Osborne on the Nebraska football team from 1975-1978, told reporters after the meeting that what Osborne has done for Nebraska is "second to none." 

"He lifts us all up. It's a special day to recognize that, and that will inspire all of us to do greater things," he said. 

Osborne, 89, was born in Hastings and played football, baseball and track at Hastings College before briefly playing in the NFL.

In 1969, Osborne was named offensive coordinator at Nebraska and took over as head coach in 1973. He served as head coach for more than 25 seasons during which Nebraska won 13 conference titles and three national championships.

Following his coaching career, Osborne went on to represent Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District in Congress from 2001-2007 before returning to the University of Nebraska to serve as the director of athletics from 2010-2013. 

Pillen said one of Osborne's greatest contributions to the state was through the work he did mentoring youths.

Osborne and his wife, Nancy, founded TeamMates in 1991, a nonprofit that provides school-based mentoring and academic support to youth. Since then, the school-based mentoring program has grown to 186 chapters across six states, 140 of which are in Nebraska.

"His commitment to people and his commitment to youth has inspired us all. There's no mentoring program in the United States of America that has had the success of his where we're on our second generation, where mentees are mentors," Pillen said. 

Osborne's nomination followed the passage of LB596 this session, which eliminated the requirement that Nebraska Hall of Fame inductees must be dead for at least 35 years before they can be considered for inclusion. The legislation to change state statute was introduced by Hastings Sen. Dan Lonowski on behalf of the governor.

The Hall of Fame Commission can name only one new member every five years.

Osborne will join the other 27 members displayed in the Capitol as part of the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Osborne was the only living nominee considered for the Hall of Fame's 2025-2029 nomination cycle. The other eight notable Nebraskans nominated included dancer and actor Fred Astaire, composer and conductor Howard Hanson and Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native woman doctor in the U.S. 

Osborne was the only nominee considered at Wednesday's meeting, which was held at the state Capitol. Osborne did not attend.

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to recognize Nebraskans who have made notable contributions in areas including public affairs, the arts and sciences, entertainment, athletics and youth mentorship. The last Hall of Fame inductee was civil rights leader Malcolm X in May 2022.

The governor said a number of former Husker players pitched in to fund Osborne's bust so it won't cost the state any taxpayer money and that it should be finished in the next month. 

Pillen said they are in the process of planning Osborne's induction ceremony. While the ceremony traditionally takes place in the Capitol Rotunda, Pillen said he's thinking "there might be a better place where Nebraskans could really enjoy and celebrate all together to say thank you."