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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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Cleveland Browns receiver Paul Warfield catches a pass in front of St. Louis Cardinals defensive back Jimmy Burson (49) at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 28-19. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: WR Paul Warfield (1964-74, 76-77)

Warfield was an immediate impact player in the NFL. As a rookie, he was fifth in the league in receiving yards (920) and made the Pro Bowl.

After spending six seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. He became a critical piece of Miami’s dominant offense. In 1971, he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (11) and even finished sixth in MVP voting. Warfield and the Dolphins went on to win two Super Bowls (1972, 73).

Warfield briefly departed the NFL to join the World Football League. In 1976, he rejoined the NFL, signing with the Browns.

For his career, Warfield racked up eight Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and named a member of the All-1970s Team, alongside wide receivers Lynn Swann, Drew Pearson, and Harold Carmichael.

Warfield leads all Ohio State alumni in weighted career approximate value (108), per Pro Football Reference.

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