Former Washington All-American Olin Kreutz lands on College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

Former Washington Huskies All-American Olin Kreutz is on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Former Washington Huskies center Olin Kreutz is on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. Known as one of the best offensive linemen in school history, Kreutz used to torment defensive lines and was a savage protector for quarterback Brock Huard. He punched holes and moved opponents for running back Corey Dillon, who set the Pac-10’s single-season rushing and touchdown record in 1996.

The Honolulu, Hawaii native was recruited from St. Louis High School and was teammates with former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dominic Raiola and Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala. Kreutz is part of a long line of famous alumni from the school, including Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Kreutz played under coach Jim Lambright at Washington from 1995-1997 and declared for the 1998 NFL draft. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round with the No. 64 overall pick.

“One of the things that really impressed you when we recruited him is the fact that he was so physically strong and mentally and emotionally motivated to succeed,” Lambright told the Seattle Times in 2011, “It was a combination of attitude and brute strength.”

During his time on Montlake, Kreutz was named a 1997 consensus first-team All-American and to the All-Pac-10 First Team in both 1996 and 1997. He was also awarded the 1997 Morris Trophy, which is given to the top lineman in the Pac-10, along with the Guy Flaherty Most Inspirational Award at Washington’s annual postseason banquet.

Kreutz went on to the play for 13 seasons in the NFL, twelve with the Chicago Bears and one with the New Orleans Saints. He was named a first team All-Pro in 2006, second team All-Pro in 2005, and to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s.

Voting is open now for the CFB Hall of Fame and the inductees will be honored on December 10 in Las Vegas at the 66th annual National Football Foundation Awards Dinner.