Former Ohio State linebacker Randy Gradishar named finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Ohio State and Denver Bronco linebacker Randy Gradishar has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This is something that’s probably a bit overdue. Former Ohio State and Denver Bronco linebacker Randy Gradishar was named as a finalist for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Friday along with a few others on an expanded list.

Gradishar played for Ohio State under Woody Hayes from 1971 to 1973 and was a two-time consensus All-American. After graduating from the Buckeyes, he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1974 NFL Draft as the No. 14 overall pick.

With the Broncos he made the Pro-Bowl seven times, and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1978.

The Hall of Fame’s selection committee has put together a list of eight coaches, 10 contributors and 20 senior finalists for next year’s class. Of those finalists, 15 members will be selected to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.