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Gov. Pillen Offers Remarks, Issues Proclamation at Tom Osborne Nebraska Hall of Fame Induction
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame for the formal induction ceremony of Tom Osborne. Osborne is the 28th member of the Hall of Fame and the first living member to ever receive the honor.
The ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda included remarks by Gov. Pillen and his presentation of a proclamation marking Coach Tom Osborne Hall of Fame Day. During his remarks, Gov. Pillen referenced his time as a college football player and the lessons he and other players learned being part of Osborne’s Husker team.
“This is about a guy that I’ve loved for almost five decades, from the time I got a call on Sunday afternoon in January of 1974 when my dad and I were unloading cattle, and Coach said, ‘Jim, I’d like you to come down for a recruiting visit.’”
“There is nobody in the history of the State of Nebraska who has done more for young people in his entire life, who also just happens to be one of the greatest football coaches of all time,” added Gov. Pillen. “He taught us extraordinary things that have served us our entire lives.”
The most important lessons can be summarized in a couple words, said Gov. Pillen.
“The first is discipline. We never talked about winning against an opponent. We talked about the discipline it took within us to be the best we could possibly be. And the other, which is so essential, is the gift of belief. For so many of us, Coach was the first to believe in us, and then he taught us the belief to be the best we could be -- that we could do anything we set our minds to.”
The induction ceremony was led by Dr. Sara Crook, chairwoman of the Hall of Fame Commission. Created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1961, the Hall of Fame is meant to recognize those either born in Nebraska or who have gained prominence while living in Nebraska and that their time in the state had significant influence on their lives and their achievements.
Previously, induction ceremonies were held every five years for a nominated person who had been deceased for at least 35 years. This past year, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 596, allowing living individuals to be included. In July, members of the Hall of Fame Commission approved Osborne’s nomination unanimously.
Jim Rose, a radio commentator and former Husker sports announcer, spoke to Osborne’s background and his reasons for nominating the former coach for this honor.
“Tom is a humble son of our state who has dedicated his life’s work to our young people,” “First as a legendary college football coach whose teams delivered not only just great victories, memorable moments and championships, but with them a rare loyalty that begot a pride of place that we Nebraskans had never before known.”
“Coach Osborne is widely known for his leadership, integrity, honor, and compassion,” added Crook. “His accomplishments include mentoring thousands of student athletes on and off the field, in the classroom, and devoting the past 33 years to the TeamMates Mentoring Program he and his wife Nancy founded in 1991.”
Following his legendary coaching career, Osborne continued to serve his home state as the 3rd District representative in Congress. After three terms, he turned his attention back to athletics and was the University of Nebraska’s athletic director from 2007 – 2013.
The bust of Osborne, which will reside in the State Capitol along with the likenesses of the 27 other Nebraska Hall Fame members, was designed and created by world-renowned artist and native Nebraskan Matthew Placzek. His work includes more than 200 sculptures that have become iconic landmarks and featured in numerous national art and architectural publications.
Placzek explained to the audience his source of inspiration and meaning of the final piece.
“The era depicted in this sculpture is from the 1990’s, a defining period in Osborne’s life and career. This includes the 1991 founding of the TeamMates Mentoring Program by Tom and Nancy Osborne, as well as the historic 1995 season, when he led Nebraska to a national championship victory. This moment represents both professional excellence and a commitment to community.”
Concluding his remarks, Gov. Pillen shared with the audience that he has personally spoken to President Trump about Osborne’s potential receipt of the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“Coach, what I’m so incredibly grateful for, besides my dad, is that you were the first to believe in me, and the first to believe in many faces here today. You were the first to believe that we could do extraordinary things for the state of Nebraska.”
Gov. Pillen also called attention to the language that will be included on the pedestal that will support the bust. In addition to his most notable achievements, is a quote that Coach Osborne selected: “Nebraska’s greatest asset is its people. It has been an honor to serve them.”
Additional information about the Nebraska Hall of Fame
Gov. Pillen reads proclamation marking Coach Tom Osborne Hall of Fame Day
Gov. Pillen welcomes Tom Osborne to podium
Members of Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission and Tom Osborne
Gov. Pillen presents Nebraska Admiralship to artist Matthew Placzek
Bust of Tom Osborne
