The Ohio State Buckeyes community is mourning the loss of one of its all-time greats. A former All-American who defined toughness, loyalty, and pride in the scarlet and gray has passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Buckeye fans, players, and coaches. His passing is more than just the loss of a former player; it’s the closing of a chapter in Ohio State history, one written with grit, sweat, and unforgettable Saturdays under the lights of the Horseshoe.
For Buckeye Nation, this name carried weight. He wasn’t just another star in a long line of greats. He was the embodiment of everything Ohio State football stands for: fierce competitiveness, excellence on and off the field, humility in triumph, and grace in adversity. Throughout his storied career, he left an indelible mark not only through his performances on the field but also through his leadership, mentorship, and continued involvement with the university long after his playing days were over.
As a standout player in the 1970s, he helped define an era of Ohio State football that remains iconic to this day. Playing under legendary head coach Woody Hayes, he became a pillar of the Buckeye defense, a constant force that opposing offenses dreaded. Whether it was stuffing the run, dropping back in coverage, or making critical plays in the biggest games of the season, he always rose to the occasion. He wasn’t flashy. He didn’t need to be. His game spoke volumes, and so did the respect he earned from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
He earned All-American honors with distinction, a recognition not handed out lightly at a program as tradition-rich as Ohio State. But beyond the accolades, it was his consistency, his love for the game, and his never-back-down mentality that truly set him apart. Every snap he played, he played for something bigger than himself—his team, his university, and the Buckeye legacy.
After leaving Ohio State, he carried those same values into his professional career. Though he may not have become a household name in the NFL, his grit and determination didn’t waver. He played with heart, always finding ways to contribute, always bringing intensity and pride to his work. His career served as a blueprint for players who may not have had five-star talent but had five-star hearts.
Yet it was what he did after football that perhaps defined him most. While some fade into obscurity after their playing days, he leaned into his roots. He returned to Columbus often, mentoring young players, attending games, and speaking at alumni events. He stayed connected, not for the spotlight but because he genuinely loved the program and the people around it. He was known for pulling aside wide-eyed freshmen and reminding them what it meant to wear the jersey—reminding them that being a Buckeye wasn’t just a title, it was a lifelong responsibility.
Over the years, he became a symbol of what it meant to transition from player to pillar in the Ohio State family. Fans adored him not just because of what he did on the field, but because of how he carried himself afterward. He was generous with his time, wise in his advice, and passionate about helping others succeed. Whether it was lending a hand to a former teammate in need, showing up at a youth camp to talk about overcoming adversity, or simply signing autographs for fans who remembered his glory days, he always made time.
His death is a sobering reminder of how precious these figures are—not just for their feats of athleticism, but for how they shape the culture and community long after the final whistle blows. This man wasn’t just a Buckeye great; he was a Buckeye lifer. And in Columbus, where football is more than just a game, that means everything.
Tributes have already begun to pour in from around the country. Former teammates have spoken about his fierce loyalty, his sense of humor, and his uncanny ability to lift others. Coaches past and present have acknowledged the impact he had on Ohio State’s culture. Fans young and old, many of whom never saw him play live, have taken to social media to share how his legacy helped form their love for the program. And in true Buckeye fashion, the university is expected to honor him in a meaningful way—one befitting a man who gave so much to the school and the sport.
He leaves behind not just memories, but a blueprint. A standard. A challenge to every current and future Buckeye to wear the jersey with the same pride, work ethic, and commitment to something greater than self. At a time when college football is changing rapidly—driven by money, branding, and constant movement—his life is a reminder of what it means to stay rooted in tradition and driven by values.
His story, of course, isn’t just about football. It’s about perseverance. It’s about humility. It’s about never forgetting where you came from and always looking for ways to lift others along your journey. That’s why his loss resonates so deeply. It feels personal to so many because his life intersected with theirs—whether directly or through the example he set.
He was Ohio through and through. Raised in the Midwest, tough as nails, and proud of it. He played the game the way it was meant to be played—with honor, with discipline, and with love. He never needed a microphone to make a statement. His actions, his integrity, and his commitment spoke louder than words ever could.
Though he’s no longer with us, his legacy will never leave the Horseshoe. It will echo in the chants, in the victories, in the traditions passed from one generation to the next. He was part of the DNA of Ohio State football, and he always will be. The players who walk onto the field this fall may not have known him personally, but they will feel his presence—in the locker room, in the tunnel, and in the roar of the crowd that still honors those who came before.
His family, who stood by him through the highs and lows, now grieve the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. They too are part of the Ohio State family and will always be embraced as such. In the coming days and weeks, stories will emerge. Some will be well-known highlights. Others will be quiet moments that reveal the depth of his character. All of them will serve as a reminder that legends are not just remembered for what they did—but how they made people feel.
As the bell tolls and flags are lowered, Ohio State loses more than just a football player. It loses a beacon of pride, a standard of excellence, and a true son of the university. But even in death, his legacy will continue to shine. Young athletes will study his game tape. Coaches will cite his dedication. Fans will wear his jersey with pride. And in the shadows of the great stadium he once called home, his memory will linger like a sacred chant.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. But to say he will be remembered? That is an absolute certainty. Because legends like him never truly leave—they become part of the very soul of the game. And in the heart of Buckeye Nation, his spirit will live on forever.
Rest in peace, legend. Your Buckeye brothers and sisters will carry your legacy forward with pride, with purpose, and with love.
