Tom Osborne becomes the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame

LINCOLN — Husker legend and former congressman Tom Osborne’s bust was unveiled Friday as he was recognized as the first living member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame. 

“I think everyone in this room is guilty: We love Tom Osborne” Pillen said during a press conference at the Capitol rotunda.

Osborne was inducted into the Hall of Fame thanks to a push by state lawmakers, at the governor’s request, in the last legislative session to change state law so Osborne could be inducted while alive. 

Some lawmakers raised a possible constitutional concern about “special legislation” because the original language would have made Osborne the only eligible candidate. The proposal was tweaked to be a little broader. The governor-appointed Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission unanimously approved Osborne as the next member in July. 

Osborne spoke briefly to thank those in attendance. 

During his speech about Osborne, Pillen said he spoke with President Donald Trump about awarding Osborne the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest award a civilian can receive in the United States.

In a short press gaggle after the event, Pillen went into more detail about the conversation with Trump. He said the meeting focused on beef. 

“It was rather intense because I explained to him Nebraska livestock producers’ — cattlemen’s — perspective. He asked questions. I was using my hands a lot because I was defending Nebraska. … We got finished. I said, ‘Hey, Mr. President, [got] time for one more subject. He said, ‘Yeah, what’s that?’ I said, ‘Tom Osborne,’” Pillen said. 

Pillen told the Examiner that while he and the Trump administration are working out the details, they are planning something next month.