Former Ohio State Buckeyes LB Randy Gradishar Named to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gradishar was a two-time All-American with the Buckeyes, and was "the best linebacker" he ever coached according to Woody Hayes.

Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Randy Gradishar will earn a permanent place in football history.

Gradishar was one of seven retired NFL players to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 during the "NFL Honors" show Thursday night. The tenth football player and 11th student-athlete from Ohio State to be enshrined in Canton, Gradishar will be the first since Buckeyes offensive tackle Orlando Pace in 2016.

Earning All-American honors in 1972 and 1973 (the latter of which was unanimous), Gradishar recorded a then-record 320 tackles over three seasons with Ohio State. Legendary Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes regarded Gradishar as "the best linebacker" he ever coached.

Following his departure from Ohio State, Gradishar became a star in the NFL. Gradishar spent ten seasons in the league, every one of which was as a member of the Denver Broncos.

Gradishar earned numerous awards with the Broncos. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Gradishar was both the Associated Press NFL Defensive Most Valuable Player and Player of the Year in 1978.

The linebacker's NFL career came to an end when Gradishar retired in 1983. At that time, Gradishar's 2,049 (unofficial) tackles were the most in the history of the Broncos, and the NFL.

Gradishar remained in Denver, Colorado for the next 50 years after his retirement from football, serving for a time as President of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation.

Gradishar is also a member of both the Ohio State Hall of Fame (having been inducted in 1983) and the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 1998.