Hall of Fame
Position: Linebacker
Years: 1971-1973
Place of Birth: Warren, OH
Date of Birth: Mar 03, 1952
Jersey Number: 53
Height: 6-3
Weight: 236
High School: Champion, OH (Champion HS)
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 settled in Denver and became president of the Denver Broncos Youth Foundation. The organization emphasizes education, leadership, and good character for youth of the area.
