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Faith in the Game: Lessons on Football, Work, and Life
In Nebraska, football is a religion and Tom Osborne is its patron saint. As head coach of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers for 25 years, Osborne took his team to a bowl game every year, won three national championships in the last four years he coached, and ended his career boasting an 84 percent winning record. Now Osborne lets us in on the values it takes to achieve victory, on any field.
Both a memoir and a motivational guide, Faith in the Game discusses all the traits required for successful life management and teamwork--loyalty, perseverance, honesty, integrity, strategy, character, faith, and old-fashioned "sweat equity"--while tackling subjects such as his controversial 1995 season and his team's phenomenally successful Unity Council approach, in which representatives from each part of the team form problem-solving units. Conveyed in his own captivating, trademark tone, Osborne's messages will be cheered by readers from all walks of life. In the spirit of bestsellers by coaches Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Lou Holtz, and Pat Summitt, Faith in the Game is destined to score high.
Both a memoir and a motivational guide, Faith in the Game discusses all the traits required for successful life management and teamwork--loyalty, perseverance, honesty, integrity, strategy, character, faith, and old-fashioned "sweat equity"--while tackling subjects such as his controversial 1995 season and his team's phenomenally successful Unity Council approach, in which representatives from each part of the team form problem-solving units. Conveyed in his own captivating, trademark tone, Osborne's messages will be cheered by readers from all walks of life. In the spirit of bestsellers by coaches Rick Pitino, Pat Riley, Lou Holtz, and Pat Summitt, Faith in the Game is destined to score high.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2020
Faith in the Game by Tom Osborne is a novel that discusses the philosophies in coaching that he used to make a successful football team at the University of Nebraska. Osborne talks about the overall impacts of his Christian faith and the theme of character in coaching throughout his career. The novel also inspires and challenges the reader to be better human beings and strive for greatness. Osbornes' objective throughout the book is to inform the reader what made his team and staff so successful in the years he served as the head coach at Nebraska. His goal is to share his knowledge of coaching as well as life in general to other coaches, football fans, and the general public looking to improve their character, attitudes, and work ethic.
Faith in the Game looks to argue that focusing on care and kindness is more productive than intimidation and yelling in the field of coaching. Osborne talks about how this method of coaching will increase players' confidence and will help players learn whatever it is the coach is trying to teach them. Another main argument presented by Osborne is that character is the biggest impact on a team and on individuals. Osborne talks about character as a whole and how it can define an individual and how others view them. Osborne also goes more in depth into the subject of character and describes the character traits that individuals should work to improve an individual, as well as a team as a whole. Traits such as honesty, loyalty, and perseverance are talked about and were shown as main reasons why the Nebraska Cornhuskers were so successful as Osborne as their coach. Osborne backs up these arguments by pointing to methods and actions of the Nebraska football team and ways to ensure character was a part of their team and Osborne points many times to a committee created to ensure character was the team held many meetings to cover the theme of the week or the character trait the team would cover that week and points to his teams success as the result of the importance placed on character.
In my opinion, Osborne does a great job supporting his arguments with evidence and methods put in place to support his claims. I also believe that he was very successful in getting his message and objectives across to the audience. After reading this novel I thought that it was a really good book. I thought that it was packed with relevant teachings and information and did a great job of persuading the reader and was very engaging. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody looking to improve their character or looking to be a better coach.
Faith in the Game looks to argue that focusing on care and kindness is more productive than intimidation and yelling in the field of coaching. Osborne talks about how this method of coaching will increase players' confidence and will help players learn whatever it is the coach is trying to teach them. Another main argument presented by Osborne is that character is the biggest impact on a team and on individuals. Osborne talks about character as a whole and how it can define an individual and how others view them. Osborne also goes more in depth into the subject of character and describes the character traits that individuals should work to improve an individual, as well as a team as a whole. Traits such as honesty, loyalty, and perseverance are talked about and were shown as main reasons why the Nebraska Cornhuskers were so successful as Osborne as their coach. Osborne backs up these arguments by pointing to methods and actions of the Nebraska football team and ways to ensure character was a part of their team and Osborne points many times to a committee created to ensure character was the team held many meetings to cover the theme of the week or the character trait the team would cover that week and points to his teams success as the result of the importance placed on character.
In my opinion, Osborne does a great job supporting his arguments with evidence and methods put in place to support his claims. I also believe that he was very successful in getting his message and objectives across to the audience. After reading this novel I thought that it was a really good book. I thought that it was packed with relevant teachings and information and did a great job of persuading the reader and was very engaging. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody looking to improve their character or looking to be a better coach.
September 7, 2025
This was a good read. Some chapters were great, others were a little boring. But overall, I decent read at the beginning of college football season written by a legend of a coach.
January 28, 2026
True inspirational sports book. Too perfect. I think I might become a Nebraska fan now. Fun to hear the wisdom from a longtime head coach who created a system and culture at the D1 level grounded upon his faith.
October 17, 2023
This is a must read for any Nebraska fan, but over and above that it’s a look at the philosophy of coaching and the approach Osborne used. If you are a coach or a manager of people in any way, you will benefit from this book.
May 22, 2018
"Faith in the Game" is a high quality book based of the mindset of a football coach who is different from every other coach. There is a reason to why he won so many games in the span of 25 years. Not only was his knowledge of football outstanding, but he taught his players the ways of life and how to become a better person. I liked this book so much because it was something that can make an impact on me and teach me how to become more mature. I personally ranked this book 5 stars. I would say this book is for kids 14+ because anyone younger wouldn't get the true meaning to what the lessons are and what Tom is trying to teach us. Overall, this book is very good for people who are working to become better and for anyone who struggles to be happy in general. This book is basically motivation for me to be the best athlete and student that I can be.
September 18, 2022
Coach Osborne recaps his 25+ year career as the Head Coach at the University of Nebraska football program. Through out he talks about his own Christian faith and how it guided his career. He outlines various aspects that make a person stronger and a better team player. Character, Faith, Honesty, Loyalty, Goal Setting, Unity, Paying the price, Hanging in, Teamwork and Moving on. In each chapter he brings up historical teams and how the particular topic was addressed and implemented in the program. Also, various biblical points and statements from other coaches and leaders past and during his time. It was a good read with a target audience of coaches and business leaders.
August 7, 2022
Excellent book! Of the three books written by Osborne, I liked this one the most (although it has been many years since I've read 'More than Winning'). There is a lot of wisdom packed in a small number of pages. There is a good deal of behind-the-scenes information about various aspects of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team during the time Osborne was assistant and head coach. I found the goal-setting chapter especially insightful.
November 23, 2024
Tom Osborne reflects on his coaching career and spells out some lessons he learned along the way. If you are a teacher, coach, and/or mentor there are some valuable lessons to unpack. However, you can tell the book is a bit outdated (It was published about 25 years ago) and Osborne gets preachy at times.
July 18, 2023
If you’re a Nebraska fan, a coach, or just a college football junkie you will get something out of this book.
April 30, 2025
not a fan of football but I'll take into account some of these lessons
July 21, 2008
Character Themes each week including: honesty, loyalty, courage, unselfishness, work ethic, discipline, confidence, leadership, teamwork, mental toughness, and perseverance.
Annual individual meetings with coaches and players – be as honest and open as possible
“Team Talk” should be positive – if you have a problem bring it to the open and to someone who can fix it. Don’t talk behind backs, bicker, or complain to other teammates. Negativity in locker room destructs team chemistry and eventually team play on field
Long term team goals created by players. Detailed short term goals created by coaches.
“Unity Council” of select players determine discipline and rules
Charting off season improvement in speed, weights, etc
Love and serve each player equally regardless of talent or attitude
Glorify God when making tough decisions – don’t do something to please the masses
Never know when someone will come to God or change their ways – even if is after they leave the program. Thus even if kicking off or suspending a player, don’t dismiss chance of change
Testing for steroids, drugs, and alcohol
Optional devotional time for staff each morning. The common perception of football coaches is that of hard driving, profane, callous individual who care little about spiritual matters. Often people engaged in highly competitive enterprises believe that matters of faith hinder effective performance. My experience has led me to believe that spiritual preparation contributes to effective performance no matter what the arena.
United front from coaches, each supporting and caring for each other, removing jealousy and in fighting. Use common vision, mission, and goals to reduce tension or disagreements.
Honest assessment of players talents and future in program
“You must love your boys to get the most out of them and do the most for them. I have worked with boys who I haven’t admired but I have loved them just the same. Love has dominated my coaching career.” –AMOS ALONZO STAGG
Train mind and muscles AND spiritual and emotional aspects
Love among players and coaches, coupled with respect for opponents is much more effective than fear, hatred and intimidation.
Faith in players and coaches to do job. When we know someone has faith in us and trusts us we do not want to disappoint them.
Annual individual meetings with coaches and players – be as honest and open as possible
“Team Talk” should be positive – if you have a problem bring it to the open and to someone who can fix it. Don’t talk behind backs, bicker, or complain to other teammates. Negativity in locker room destructs team chemistry and eventually team play on field
Long term team goals created by players. Detailed short term goals created by coaches.
“Unity Council” of select players determine discipline and rules
Charting off season improvement in speed, weights, etc
Love and serve each player equally regardless of talent or attitude
Glorify God when making tough decisions – don’t do something to please the masses
Never know when someone will come to God or change their ways – even if is after they leave the program. Thus even if kicking off or suspending a player, don’t dismiss chance of change
Testing for steroids, drugs, and alcohol
Optional devotional time for staff each morning. The common perception of football coaches is that of hard driving, profane, callous individual who care little about spiritual matters. Often people engaged in highly competitive enterprises believe that matters of faith hinder effective performance. My experience has led me to believe that spiritual preparation contributes to effective performance no matter what the arena.
United front from coaches, each supporting and caring for each other, removing jealousy and in fighting. Use common vision, mission, and goals to reduce tension or disagreements.
Honest assessment of players talents and future in program
“You must love your boys to get the most out of them and do the most for them. I have worked with boys who I haven’t admired but I have loved them just the same. Love has dominated my coaching career.” –AMOS ALONZO STAGG
Train mind and muscles AND spiritual and emotional aspects
Love among players and coaches, coupled with respect for opponents is much more effective than fear, hatred and intimidation.
Faith in players and coaches to do job. When we know someone has faith in us and trusts us we do not want to disappoint them.
April 26, 2016
For 25 years Tom Osborne was head coach of the Nebraska Cornhusker football team. He is one of the most successful college coaches of all time, not just in winning games but in developing young men. In this book, a classic that should be read by anyone interested in the game and in life, he talks about what is important for all participants. The table of contents is a list of chapters one rarely sees in a book about football -- Character, Faith, Honesty, Loyalty -- as well as chapters that sound more like a book about football -- Setting Goals, Paying a Price, Unity, Hanging in there, Teamwork, and Moving On. It is not about X's and O's. It is not a replay of all the great Nebrfaska victories over the years. It is about becoming a better person. I highly recommend this book. It is going on my bookshelf next to other books about spirituality and self-improvement.
August 13, 2014
Tom Osborne's memoir about his career as a football coach at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Candid and humble portrayal of the positives and pitfalls of being at the helm of a major collegiate program. Osborne's guiding philosophy and faith based principles on living and football were discussed throughout the text. This Cornhusker fan is incapable of giving an entirely objective review. Goodreads' rating-5- "It was amazing."
April 8, 2009
go big red!
August 5, 2009
One of my personal favs.
July 15, 2012
Great book on faith and football!!
February 28, 2013
This kind of coach is definitely a dying breed.
November 29, 2013
A little too much focus on football for my tastes. But I do feel that Tom Osborne has excellent character and modeled his faith for his players, the community and others involved in college football.
January 22, 2016
Good book for coaches. The author explains a lot about his coaching career but does get a little preachy. There are some good lessons though on how to work with people
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews