Beyond the Final Score: There's More to Life Than the Game

by Tom Osborne

From the vast farmlands of Nebraska to the halls of Congress to the Green Zone in Iraq, Tom Osborne has become a legend by serving those around him and by always putting his God first. Perhaps no college football program in history has seen as much success as Osborne’s did under his watch (255 wins in 25 seasons). But there is much more to Tom Osborne. Beyond the Final Score chronicles his years as a congressman, educator, family man, mentor and now athletic director. It reveals the character, values and faith that have grounded him throughout his incredible journey. Like a good memoir, Beyond the Final Score goes right to the heart of a true American legend. It takes the reader on a walk trough surprising moments (such as the day he began training Iraqi women on how to change their nation), profound insights (there is more prayer in Washington than one might think) and many less-than-serious moments (such as the day he thought he was going to teach his wife how to fish). A rare book in which an American legend brings wisdom, sensibility, dignity and spirituality to culture, worldview, politics, leadership and what really matters in everyday life.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

254 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 2005

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Tom Osborne's humble, down-to-earth style and delivery are certainly not flashy but he gets the point across. He is strong in his Christian faith and strives to be a transformational leader. As a Husker fan, I was very happy when he came back to the University after his service as a U.S. Congressman to serve as the University's athletic director. I hope he sticks around for a while - the Huskers certainly seem to be on a better course now that he (and Coach Pelini, et. al) is on board and steering the ship.

There is not a lot of pure sports-related stuff in this book - if that's what you are looking for, I would refer you to one of his earlier books. This one is more about being a role model, a mentor, being a leader, and leaving a positive legacy. It is not a long book, but there is a lot here for Husker fans and Nebraskans.

[Fernando Vences · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered why someone can be so thankful. Well in this book tom Osborne does not only teach a lesson but really makes you think about the true meaning of life. In this books he combines life with football. He struggles to deal with both and needs guidance to get through his struglling time. He is close to divorce with his wife and is close to the edge. He thinks of quiting football and pursue a professor job asked fro the school board of Nebraska but he knows football is a lesson in life the harder you work you can overcome any obstacles put in the way of you. Football to Tom is what lead him into the fire and he kept with it and fixed his relationship with his wife and won his family back he had to deal with a College football team and a family sounds hard enough for me glad it wasn't me.

[Christopher Seifert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book written by a nice man. I found this book to be very stream of consciousness, particularly toward the end. Dr. Tom did, however, have some good things to say about faith, leadership, and service. Now that I've read his book, I wonder if he's read mine. ...

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about life values, team building, and transformational leadership. It's not all about winning football games. Not a great book in terms of style or writing, but full of great ideas.

[Jan Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read by Tom Osborne explaining his philosopy and highlighting some parts of his life. It also includes some writings by his players and staff. An amazing man...