Recognition

Sam Foltz 27 HERO Leadership Award

The Sam Foltz 27 HERO Leadership Award, named in honor of late Husker punter Sam Foltz, awards student-athlete leaders from each varsity sport. The criteria for the HERO Award include exceptional leadership, consistent and dedicated community service, and positive influence on the team. Nominees are identified by the Life Skills staff with approval from the Academic staff and Head Coaches. HERO recipients are announced at the annual A Night at the Lied student-athlete recognition event held at the Lied Center for Performing Arts every April. Click here to view all previous Sam Foltz 27 HERO Leadership Award winner.

2026 Sam Foltz 27 HERO Leadership Award Recipients

Brook Berringer Citizenship Team

Created after the passing of quarterback Brook Berringer, the Citizenship Team recognizes Husker football players who have demonstrated a passion for service and involvement. To be named to the Team, football student-athletes must complete a minimum of 10 service projects, be in good academic standing, and have demonstrated excellent conduct. Recipients receive an award and are honored at the annual Spring Football game. Click here to view all previous Brook Berringer Citizenship Team honorees.

2026 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team

 Tom Osborne Citizenship Team

Newly created and implemented for the first time in the 2013-2014 academic calendar year, the annual Tom Osborne Citizenship Team pays tribute to legendary Nebraska Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, Tom Osborne. Under Osborne, Nebraska was among the first institutions nationwide to implement a comprehensive Life Skills program. To be named to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team, student-athletes must complete a minimum of six service projects, and/or mentoring activities in the academic calendar year, while being in both good academic and athletic standing. In it's 13th year, Nebraska proudly named 396 student-athletes to the 2025-2026 Tom Osborne Citizenship Team. Honorees were recognized during the A Night at the Lied celebration and received a Tom Osborne Citizenship Team medallion. 

Postgraduate Scholarships

Life Skills facilitates all student-athlete postgraduate nominations. Opportunities are available at the institutional, conference, and national level; student-athletes who are in their final season of athletic eligibility and meet a minimum grade point average along with excellence in the community are eligible to apply. Award amounts range between $3,000 and $15,000 per scholarship. To apply, students must secure letters of recommendation, complete a personal statement and summarize all athletic achievements, academic honors and community service. Click Here to learn more.