The new Pro Football Hall of Fame class was just announced and seven NFL legends will be heading to Canton. But as with almost anything NFL-related, the new class has some Ohio State-Michigan tie-ins.
Among the seven-member class was legendary linebacker Randy Gradishar, who spent 10 incredible years with the Denver Broncos following an historic run with the Buckeyes. Gradishar’s selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame now gives the Buckeyes 11 Hall of Famers, as he will join Cris Carter, Sid Gillman, Lou Groza, Dante Lavelli, Dick LeBeau, Orlando Pace, Jim Parker, Ed Sabol, Paul Warfield and Bill Willis in Canton.
It’s also worth noting that the mark of 11 is tied for the third-most inductees of any school. The school that they’re tied with? Michigan.
Michigan’s Hall of Fame list is equally impressive, featuring 11 NFL icons: George Allen, Dan Dierdorf, Len Ford, Benny Friedman, Bill Hewitt, Elroy Hirsch, Steve Hutchinson, Ty Law, Tom Mack, Ralph Wilson, Jr. and Charles Woodson.
Both schools are now tied for third behind Notre Dame and USC.
Randy Gradishar is officially a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024, becoming the 11th Buckeye to earn enshrinement in Canton. https://t.co/kLExu8iMDU
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) February 9, 2024
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Randy Gradishar was a legend for the Buckeyes, starting three seasons under the legendary Woody Hayes and earned unanimous All-American honors along with sixth-place in the Heisman Trophy voting back in 1973. Hayes famously declared that Gradishar was the greatest linebacker he ever coached. He has since been named to the Buckeyes All-Century Team and the Ohio State Varsity Hall of Fame in Columbus.
Gradishar went on to play for the Broncos, where he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro. He was the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and is now a member of the Broncos Ring of Fame.
His selection to Canton is well-deserved.
Of course, it’s inevitable that Michigan will get at least one more in about five years when Tom Brady gets inducted on the first ballot.