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10 best Ohio State alumni in NFL history

By Jakob Ashlin

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas gestures after a catch during the second half against the Chicago Bears at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas gestures after a catch during the second half against the Chicago Bears at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions defensive back Dick LeBeau (44) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Lions 23-3. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions defensive back Dick LeBeau (44) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Lions 23-3. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports /

Ohio State has produced many notable NFL alumni over the years. Let’s look at the 10 best former Buckeyes in NFL history.

Ohio State has produced many successful NFL players. At the start of the 2022 season, 52 former Buckeyes were on NFL rosters; that was tied with LSU for the second most. Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Thomas, and Justin Fields have blossomed into big-name players.

The Buckeyes’ dominance extends deep into the history books, as well, with many alumni being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Let’s take a look at the 10 best Ohio State alumni in NFL history.

10. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: DB Dick LeBeau (1959-72)

LeBeau has become known for his coaching career. He was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2000-02. He also had stints as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans.

However, he was an exceptional player, as well. At Ohio State, LeBeau played both running back and cornerback for the program’s 1957 National Championship team.

LeBeau spent 14 seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he played cornerback, free safety, and strong safety. During his tenure, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time second-team All-Pro. He recorded 62 interceptions, which is tied for the 10th-most in league history.

Former teammate Charlie Sanders said LeBeau’s intelligence set him apart:

"“People would try to pick on him, because he didn’t have all the physical attributes that most guys had in the secondary. But the fact that he was as smart as he was and studied as much as he did, that’s what made him excel-that’s why he had the numbers. He was ahead of the quarterback.”"

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