Dick Schafrath is an Ohio legend, and the news of his passing was one met with reverence and sadness. Not only was he a star and national champion at Ohio State, but he went onto have an incredible professional career with the Cleveland Browns. Schafrath was named All-Pro four times and was a seven-time Pro Bowler.
Even after a Hall of Fame-worthy career at both the collegiate and professional level, Schafrath was not done making headlines and decided to pursue a career in politics after his playing days were over. The man accomplished so much during his life, but here are ten more facts about Dick Schafrath that will blow your mind!
Dick Schafrath was such a character. He told me the story once of his first weigh-in. He hid 25 pounds of weights strapped to his waist to reach the 250 lb limit set for him by Paul Brown. Brown was so impressed he wanted to play football that badly, he put him at LT.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) August 16, 2021
- Schafrath was a phenomenal baseball player and had an opportunity to sign with the Cincinnati Reds out of high school before Woody Hayes worked his magic and convinced him to enroll to become a Buckeye.
- He starred on both sides for Ohio State at both defensive end and offensive tackle. He even sealed the 1958 victory over Michigan by forcing a fumble as Michigan was going into score on a first and goal.
- Schafrath actually left Ohio State early in 1959 to play in the NFL, which was very uncommon for the time.
- He was drafted by Cleveland to immediately replace a former Buckeye legend in Lou Groze at offensive tackle.
- Schafrath was very underweight by professional standards and in an effort to gain weight was competing in eating contests on a regular basis.
- During his early years as a pro, players still had to have second jobs and Schafrath was an active member of the Air Force during his first two seasons with the Browns in 1959 and 1960. He was unable to practice with the team and head coach Paul Brown had to mail the game plan for each week. Schafrath still started each game for those two seasons.
- Schafrath once wrestled a bear!
- He once ran 62 miles from Cleveland to Wooster just on a bet.
- Schafrath was the first person to ever paddle a canoe 78 miles across Lake Erie.
- He blocked for not one, not two, but three future pro football Hall of Famers in Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Bobby Mitchell during his career with Cleveland.
Fran & I are saddened to hear of the death of our friend, former Ohio State Senator Dick Schafrath. Dick’s service in the Ohio Senate was marked by his passion for helping children, and he cared deeply about their education and well-being. We extend our deepest condolences. https://t.co/DngtOmqI8N
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 16, 2021
R.I.P to a very underrated former Buckeye legend. One might say that Walter Mitty would be proud of the life he lived.
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