Tom Novak

Thomas James Novak (November 29, 1925 – November 1, 1998) was an American football center, fullback, and linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nicknamed "Train Wreck" for his aggressive style of play, Novak is the only four-time all-conference selection in school history and was the first NU player to have his number retired.

Early life Novak was born in 1925 and attended Omaha South High School. He was twice selected as an all-state fullback and led Omaha South to a state championship in 1942.

Career Novak began his collegiate career playing offensively as a fullback, but transitioned to center during his sophomore season. When he played his final career game at Memorial Stadium on November 25, 1949, his twenty-fourth birthday, he was honored with a standing ovation at halftime of Nebraska's 25–14 win over Colorado.

Novak was a first-team Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection four times, the only player in Nebraska history to do so, and was named a first-team All-American by the International News Service following his senior season. Nebraska was just 11–26 during Novak's four-year career but maintained strong fan support and attendance figures, which is often attributed to Novak's popularity. He stayed in Nebraska and opened a trucking business.

The University of Nebraska and Omaha businessman James Gordon Roberts established the Tom Novak Award in 1950 to honor the senior who "best exemplifies courage and determination despite all odds." It is voted on by local writers and presented at the annual Outland Trophy banquet in Omaha.

Novak was paralyzed in 1976 after a fall and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life, but still commonly attended Nebraska sporting events. He died in 1998 at age seventy-two.