10 best Ohio State alumni in NFL history

1. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: G/OT Jim Parker (1957-67)

In 1956, Parker was a unanimous All-American and the winner of the Outland Trophy (awarded to the best college football interior offensive lineman in the nation).

Parker was selected eighth overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1957 NFL Draft, where he protected Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. He spent the first six seasons of his career at left tackle, and he was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. The Colts won two NFL championships (1958, 59).

In 1963, Parker moved to guard, where he did not miss a beat. He made the Pro Bowl three straight times at guard. Former Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes raved about Parker during his Hall of Fame induction:

"“Physically, he was in a class by himself. Attitude-wise, he was even greater. You only had to tell him once.”"

Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman called Parker “the best pure pass blocker that ever lived”. In 11 NFL seasons, he was an eight-time first-team All-Pro. Following his retirement, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and named to the 1950s All-Decade Team.