Former Ohio State linebacker, Randy Gradishar, has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Gradishar played his ten-year career with the Denver Broncos and was a key piece of the “Orange Crush” defense that carried the Broncos to Super Bowl XII while being named the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
An Ohio native, Gradishar played for Ohio State from 1971 to 1973 under Woody Hayes, who at one time called him the “greatest linebacker I’ve ever coached.” Gradishar was named an All-American twice and finished sixth in the Heisman voting in 1973 while playing for the Buckeyes. He was already a member of the Ohio State and College Football Hall of Fame and now he can add NFL Hall of Famer.
Gradishar was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL draft by the Broncos. He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was an All-Pro five times.
From Orange Crush to Hall of Fame Gold for Randy Gradishar.@HaggarCo | #PFHOF24 pic.twitter.com/li7LoeHN6n
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 9, 2024
Gradishar will become the 11th former Buckeye to be enshrined in Canton joining, Cris Carter, Sid Gillman, Lou Groza, Dante Lavelli, Dick LeBeau, Orlando Pace, Jim Parker, Ed Sabol, Paul Warfield, and Bill Willis.
The honor is well deserved and long overdue. Gradishar is the Bronco’s all-time leading tackler with 2,049 tackles. He also amassed 20 interceptions, 19.5 sacks, 13 fumble recovers, and four defensive touchdowns.
The Hall of Fame induction will take place on August 3 in Canton, Ohio.
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