NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Randy Gradishar was All-America linebacker in 1972 and 1973, a unanimous choice the second year. He was a 3-year starter for Ohio State. The team had a 25-6-1 record in those years, won two Big 10 championships, and split two Rose Bowl games. Ohio State ranked No. 9 nationally in the Associated Press poll in 1972, No. 2 in 1973. Gradishar was Academic All-America in 1973 and was elected to the GTE Academic Hall of Fame in 1992. Ohio State's director of athletics, Ed Weaver, said, "No more outstanding young man has participated in our athletic program." Gradishar stood 6-3, weighed 236, and went on to a great pro career. He played 10 years for the Denver Broncos, 1974-83, and made the Pro Bowl seven times.
He is currently the president of the Phil Long Community Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial resources to help champion self-esteem and the leadership of young people through excellence in education, sports and recreation. Gradishar is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, the Ohio State Varsity Hall of Fame and the Ohio State All-Century Team. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
