Twitter: Kind words for college football legend

Former Nebraska football coach and current AD Tom Osborne announced he will retire, effective Jan. 1, 2013, on Wednesday morning. To nobody’s surprise, people hit Twitter to thank Osborne and congratulate him on an unbelievably successful career. See some of the tweets in this post.

[RELATED: Nebraska's Osborne to retire as Huskers AD]

Also, on Twitter, @BigTenNetwork is asking fans for their three words that define Osborne. Use the hash tag #BTNBeyond, and we’ll air the best ones on tonight’s “Big Ten Football & Beyond” at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Here are a handful of the ones we’ve received so far:

@BigTenNetwork @kevinkugler 3 words describe Tom Osborne. HERO, LEADER, MAN. #BTNBeyond #GBR—
Jeff Oberg (@OldCrowObe) September 26, 2012

“@BigTenNetwork: What 3 words define Dr. Tom Osborne? #BTNBeyond ” 1994, 1995, 1997 #Huskers—
Kevin F (@kevfor84) September 26, 2012

#BTNBeyond Legend, Legacy, Amd Victory. That's Dr Tom summed up—
Jacob Bigelow (@notoriusBIGelow) September 26, 2012

@BigTenNetwork #BTNBeyond 1. Family 2. Motivator 3. Champion Enjoy Retirement T.O. !—
J Wack (@Jason_Wacker) September 26, 2012

@BigTenNetwork @kevinkugler Character, servant-leader, faith. Thanks T.O. #BTNBeyond—
Jasen Feyerherm (@JasenFeyerherm) September 26, 2012

And here are other kind tweets:

I'll admit. I teared up a bit today. Pulled myself together now though.—
James Stevenson (@JamesStevenson) September 26, 2012

Tom Osborne in one word = Legendary 🏈 #GBR #GoBigRed #Huskers—
FABIAN WASHINGTON (@FABEWASH31) September 26, 2012

Tom Osborne is the 9th trending topic in the world right now. I'd be surprised if any other programs AD could do that. Powerful man. #Legend—
Husker Fan (@omahasker) September 26, 2012

The heart, soul & conscience of Nebraska: Tom Osborne. Every interaction I had with him was an honor. He'll always be our Coach. #Huskers—
John Bishop (@JohnBishop71) September 26, 2012

Tom Osborne had the biggest impact on my life as an athlete, student, and business leader. Incredible man. Love you T.O.—
Blake Lawrence (@Blake_Lawrence) September 26, 2012

Tom Osborne's #Nebraska legacy: 255-49-3 (.836) record as head coach, 3 nat'l championships, 13 conf. championships, Congressman & AD—
Rivals.com (@Rivals) September 26, 2012

Tom Osborne is trending nationally right now, a sign of the impact he had on the national sports scene.—
Kevin Kugler (@kevinkugler) September 26, 2012

Can't believe he is really retiring. Brian Scalabrine will be sorely missed. And Tom Osborne too…—
Brandon Ubel (@BrandonUbel) September 26, 2012

Thanks for everything Tom Osborne. Greatest college coach of all time. #Legend—
Matt (@hash_matt) September 26, 2012

How loud of a cheer will Tom Osborne get when he's shown on the Big Screen at the game Saturday night? #Huskers—
Jeff M Huskerfan (@TheRedOne93) September 26, 2012

A legendary man. You will forever be respected by each and every husker in this nation. Thank you for your time Tom Osborne—
Midwest Hot Mess (@Midwestgirl66) September 26, 2012

Guys like Tom Osborne are running out – end of an era !! He knew it was time—
Stan Watson (@stanleyrwatson) September 26, 2012

It has been a honor to work for Tom Osborne these last three years. It won't be the same around here without him. #ThanksTO—
Chad Chiesa (@ChadChiesa) September 26, 2012

Thank you Tom Osborne!! Your dedication to college athletics, the @Huskers and the state of Nebraska is very appreciated!! #GBR #fb—
Wes Jensen (@wesjensen86) September 26, 2012

"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die." Tom Osborne, you will forever be a legend. #thankscoach—
Kevin Palu (@kevinpalu) September 26, 2012

Thanks Tom Osborne for all the things you've done for this program that I can't even begin sum up in 140 characters. #Huskers—
Kaylin G (@DCrocks88) September 26, 2012

We could use a few more Tom Osborne's in this world. #huskers—
R Farley (@farley_ross) September 26, 2012

Thanks Coach, hard to comprehend the impact Tom Osborne has had on the state of Nebraska, much more than just athletics #Huskers—
Eric Langhorst (@ELanghorst) September 26, 2012