The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is touted as a place where leaders emerge. With its student-athletes, the organization endeavors to balance character and leadership development with athletic opportunities and accomplishments. Tom Osborne is an embodiment of the success of this character and leadership training.

Because of his commitment to character, Osborne was selected as the keynote speaker for the NAIA’s Inaugural Champions of Character Foundation Awards Luncheon today at the Kansas City Convention Center Grand Ballroom. But, that wasn’t the only honor Osborne received this afternoon. At the luncheon, the NAIA also unveiled its new football national championship trophy, fittingly renamed the Tom Osborne National Championship Trophy in recognition of the former three-sport NAIA student-athlete and longtime University of Nebraska head coach.

“The NAIA is excited to unveil the Tom Osborne National Championship Trophy, in honor of one of our most prominent former student-athletes,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “Even before there was a formal Champions of Character program, Osborne exemplified the five core values during his time as a student-athlete and has continued to do so during his tenure as a coach, politician and athletic director.”