10 best Ohio State alumni in NFL history
By Jakob Ashlin
3. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: OT/C/DT/K Lou Groza (1946-67).
Groza is the most unique player on this list. He played offensive tackle, center, defensive tackle, and kicker. In addition, his career spanned 21 years.
As a rookie, Groza broke the NFL record for both field goals made (13) and extra points made (45). In 1948, he hit a 53-yard field goal, which set an NFL record at the time. In 1950, Groza hit a game-winning field goal to give the Browns their first NFL championship. It remains one of the biggest field goals in history.
Even though Groza made a huge impact as a kicker, he was an exceptional offensive tackle. According to Groza, offensive tackle was his primary position.
“Kicking was something I did because I had the talent,” he said. “I always considered myself a tackle.”
In fact, he made six All-Pro teams as a tackle. Sporting News named him the 1954 NFL MVP due to his great all-around play. For his career, Groza was a four-time Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
The Lou Groza Award, which is awarded every year to the best kicker in college football, is named in his honor.