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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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St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace in action against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Andre Carter (96) at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK /

2. Best Ohio State alumni in NFL history: OT Orlando Pace (1997-2009)

Pace was the top overall prospect in the 1997 NFL Draft. At Ohio State, he was dominant. As a junior, he became the first offensive lineman to be named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He even finished fourth in Heisman voting.

Unsurprisingly, the St. Louis Rams selected Pace with the first overall pick. In 1999, he made his first Pro Bowl, and the Rams went on to win Super Bowl XXXIV against the Tennessee Titans. Over his NFL career, Pace was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro.

Former Ohio State teammate Shawn Springs told ESPN’s Alex Scarborough the following about Pace:

"“You need another question other than, ‘Who’s winning the battles?’ No, no, no. I have never seen anybody beat Orlando with my own eyes. Listen to me. I have never, ever, ever, not seen this guy dominate anyone in front of him.”"

Former Rams director of personnel Charley Armey added the following:

"“When I watched him work out, he was every bit as agile and as quick as the defensive backs he pancaked. He may have been the best athlete on the field of all the players at the time. Just remarkable at how quick and agile he was, how quickly he could change directions, how fluid and natural his athletic ability was.”"

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