Ohio State Football: The Top 25 Buckeyes in NFL History

As one of the premier college football programs in history, The Ohio State University has produced many fine amateur athletes. Though stars in college, how did Buckeyes do as professionals and who were the best players?

The top 25 Ohio State football players in history can be broken down as follows:

2 DL

3 RBs

3 DBs

4 WRs

5 LBs

8 OL

Interested? Read on to find out which Buckeye was the greatest of them all.

25. FB/TE Keith Byars

College: 1982 - 1985

NFL: 1986 - 1998

Statistics (189 games)

865 rushing attempts, 3,109 yards, 23 rushing touchdowns

610 receptions, 5,661 yards, 31 receiving touchdowns

Awards

1 Pro Bowl

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Byars was a versatile player who could run, block and catch. He snagged 610 career receptions (54th all-time) including 81 in 1990, good for third best behind Jerry Rice and Andre Rison.

Sports Illustrated named Byars as the best NFL player to don #41.

24. RB Robert Smith

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

06 Jan 2001: Running back Robert Smith #26 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the New Orleans Saints at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 34-16 to advance to the NFC Championship. < DIGITAL IMAGE> Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr

College: 1990 - 1992

NFL: 1993 - 2000

Statistics (98 games)

1,411 rushing attempts, 6,818 yards, 32 rushing touchdowns

Awards

2 Pro Bowls

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Jason Sehorn called Smith "Eddie George with another gear."

The stats support that opinion. Smith averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry during his career. 

Smith retired following the 2000 season in which he rushed for 1,521 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Had he not retired so early, Smith could be much higher on this list.

23. CB Antoine Winfield

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Antoine Winfield #26 of the Minnesota Vikings returns a fumble for a touchdown against Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvan

College: 1995 - 1998

NFL: 1999 - present

Statistics (170 games)

792 tackles, 23 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles

Awards

2 Pro Bowls

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Peter King of Sports Illustrated has rated Winfield as the 31st best player in the NFL.

Winfield is deserving of that ranking. Though diminutive in stature, he is a sure tackler.

He's no slouch in coverage, either. Winfield made the USA All-Fundamentals team for "his ability to cover receivers man to man."

22. WR Joey Galloway

Al Bello/Getty Images

1 Sep 1996: Wide receiver Joey Galloway of the Seattle Seahawks looks up field as he runs with the ball after a reception in the Seahawks 29-7 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Al

College: 1991 - 1994

NFL: 1995 - present

Statistics (198 games)

701 receptions, 10,950 yards, 77 receiving touchdowns

Awards

4X Pro Bowl alternate

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Galloway has played 16 seasons, 6 of which he gained 1,000+ receiving yards. Due to longevity and good play, he has amassed solid career numbers. His 15.6 yards per reception is particularly impressive.

As former coach Jon Gruden said, "guys don't come on this planet like Galloway very often."

21. LB Pepper Johnson

George Rose/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 27: Linebacker Pepper Johnson #52 of the New York Giants tackles quarterback Jim Kelly #12 of the Buffalo Bills after a one yard gain in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991 in Tampa, Florida. The

College: 1982 - 1985

NFL: 1986 - 1998

Statistics (193 games)

983 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles

Awards

2 Pro Bowls

1X First-Team All-Pro

2X Super Bowl champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

I quote Craig Santucci:

"Johnson was a damn good player. A two time Pro Bowl linebacker who loved to hit you in the mouth, while filling a hole. He was big, nasty, and athletic."

That merits his inclusion on this list.

20. OT Jim Lachey

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

6 Oct 1991: Offensive lineman Jim Lachey of the Washington Redskins blocks a Chicago Bears player during a game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins won the game, 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

College: 1981 - 1984

NFL: 1985 - 1995

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

3X First-Team All-Pro

Super Bowl champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

As a member of "The Hogs," Lachey was a key contributor to the 1991 Washington Redskins Super Bowl Championship team.

An outstanding tackle, Lachey was named to the NFL's "Stars of the '90's team."

[Information cited from redskins.com]

19. DE/LB Jim Houston

College: 1957 - 1959

NFL: 1960 - 1972

Awards

4 Pro Bowls

NFL champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

The four-time Pro Bowl selection was a key player for the 1964 Cleveland Browns championship team.

18. LB Mike Vrabel

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - FEBRUARY 06: Linebacker Mike Vrabel #50 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammate Patrick Pass #35 after Vrabel made a 2-yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter during Super Bowl XXXIX a

College: 1993 - 1996

NFL: 1997 - present

Statistics (206 games)

505 tackles, 57.0 sacks, 11 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles

10 receptions, 10 receiving touchdowns

Awards

1 Pro Bowl

1X First-Team All-Pro

3X Super Bowl champion

2000 - 2009 Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team

New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

The veteran is a solid linebacker and veteran leader.

The real reason he makes this list is due to his versatility. NFL Network rated Vrabel as the 7th most versatile player of all-time. He has 10 catches to his name, all for touchdowns.

17. C Nick Mangold

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Center Nick Mangold #74 of the New York Jets blocks against Dan Muir #90 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won

College: 2002 - 2005

NFL: 2006 - present

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

2X First-Team All-Pro

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Mangold has the potential to be one of the greatest centers in NFL history having been selected to three Pro Bowls in his first five seasons.

This ranking is a bit high at the moment but I wager he continues his high level of play.

16. DE Jim Marshall

College: 1957 - 1958

NFL: 1960 - 1979

Awards

2 Pro Bowls

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Marshall is best known for his "Wrong Way Run." That play blights what was actually a very successful career.

He was very durable, starting 282 consecutive games for the Minnesota Vikings. He is credited with 127 sacks and a record 30 fumble recoveries.

Marshall was a member of the "Purple People Eaters," a nickname for Minnesota's outstanding defensive line.

15. LB Chris Spielman

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

8 Oct 1995: Linebacker Chris Spielman of the Detroit Lions jogs off the field during the Lions 38-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr/ALLSPORT

College: 1984 - 1987

NFL: 1988 - 1999

Statistics (148 games)

1,181 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles

Awards

4 Pro Bowls

1X First-Team All-Pro

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Spielman was a tackling machine, averaging well over 100 tackles per season for his career. He helped lead the Detroit Lions to two division championships.

Spielman holds the record for most career tackles in Detroit Lions history.

14. RB Eddie George

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

19 Sep 1999: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans avoids the tackle during a game against the Cleveland Browns at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Browns 26-9. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr/Allsport

College: 1992 - 1995

NFL: 1996 - 2004

Statistics (141 games)

2,865 rushing attempts, 10,441 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns

Awards

4 Pro Bowls

1X First-Team All-Pro

1996 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

George was a durable workhorse back. In his first 8 years, all with the Tennessee Titans, he never missed a start while amassing 10,009 rushing yards. The only other running back to rush for 10,000 yards before missing a start was the legendary Jim Brown.

George is the all-time rushing leader in Tennessee Titans history.

13. T Bob Vogel

College: 1960 - 1962

NFL: 1963 - 1972

Awards

5 Pro Bowls

1X First-Team All-Pro

Super Bowl champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Vogel protected Johnny Unitas for ten years, earning five Pro Bowl invitations. He played in two Super Bowls (III and V).

12. DB Dick LeBeau

College: 1956 - 1958

NFL: 1959 - 1972

Statistics (185 games)

62 interceptions

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Before becoming a great defensive coordinator, LeBeau was a great defensive player. His 62 interceptions were ranked third best at the time of his retirement, though he's slipped to eighth since.

Johnny Unitas respected LeBeau, saying that he was "a good corner." 

11. DL Bill Willis

College: 1942 - 1944

NFL: 1946 - 1953

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

3X First-Team All-Pro

NFL 1940s All-Decade Team

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

During one practice, Willis overwhelmed the center four consecutive times, disrupting QB Otto Graham. The coaches thought he must have been offside but he wasn't. He was just that quick.

Willis helped break the color barrier in football a full year before Jackie Robinson did the same in baseball.

[cited from profootballhof.com]

10. WR Dante Lavelli

College: 1942

NFL: 1946 - 1956

Statistics (123 games)

386 receptions, 6,488 receiving yards, 62 receiving touchdowns

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

7X League Champion

NFL 1940s All-Decade Team

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Lavelli, nicknamed "Glue Fingers," helped the Cleveland Browns revolutionize the passing game. He and Otto Graham teamed up to put on an offensive display that dazzled fans, including Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney. Rooney said that "It was like watching a basketball game on a football field."

9. OL Dick Schafrath

College: 1956 - 1958

NFL: 1959 - 1971

Awards

6 Pro Bowls

4X First-Team All-Pro

NFL Champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Schafrath was a dominant offensive lineman, earning trips to six consecutive Pro Bowls. He made life easier for everyone, including Jim Brown.

Interestingly enough, three of Brown's four highest season rushing totals came once Schafrath began making his annual Pro Bowl trip. Coincidence?

8. OT Orlando Pace

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

28 Sep 1997: Offensive lineman Orlando Pace #76 of the St. Louis Rams in action during the Rams 35-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders at UMAX Stadium in Oakland, California. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport

College: 1994 - 1996

NFL: 1997 - present

Awards

7 Pro Bowls

3X First-Team All-Pro

Super Bowl champion

NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Pace played a big role in the success of "The Greatest Show on Turf," which featured some of the best offensive output in history.

In addition to being selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls, Pace was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

7. S Jack Tatum

College: 1968 - 1970

NFL: 1971 - 1980

Statistics (136 games)

37 interceptions

Awards

3 Pro Bowls

Super Bowl champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Nicknamed "The Assassin," Tatum is one of the most feared hitters in NFL history. 

Due to his hitting prowess, Tatum will not soon be forgotten; this perhaps being the ultimate compliment.

6. LB Randy Gradishar

College: 1971 - 1973

NFL: 1974 - 1983

Statistics

2,049 tackles, 20 sacks, 20 interceptions

Awards

7 Pro Bowls

2X First-Team All-Pro

1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

The underrated linebacker finished his career with the most tackles in NFL history. 

Though underrated by the media, Gradishar is well respected by his peers. Merlin Olsen said that Gradishar was one of the five best linebackers he "played against or had a chance to cover in [his] broadcasting career."

In 2008, Gradishar was selected to Pro Football Weekly's All-Time 3-4 defensive team.

5. WR Cris Carter

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

17 Jan 1999: Cris Carter #80 of the Minnesota Vikings tries for the catch during the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons at the H. H. H. Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Falcons defeated the Vikings 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyon

College: 1984 - 1986

NFL: 1987 - 2002

Statistics

1,101 receptions, 13,899 receiving yards, 130 receiving touchdowns

Awards

8 Pro Bowls

2X First-Team All-Pro

NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Carter had great hands, helping him become one of the greatest receivers in history. In terms of sheer numbers, he's right near the top placing 3rd in career receptions, 4th in touchdown receptions and 8th in receiving yards.

Carter is the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns in Minnesota Vikings history.

4. OT Jim Tyrer

College: 1958 - 1960

NFL: 1961 - 1974

Awards

9 Pro Bowls

6X First-Team All-Pro

3X League champion

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Tyrer is considered to be the greatest left tackle in AFL history. With nine Pro Bowls and six consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections, that claim is hard to dispute.

Tyrer helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, the first and only Super Bowl win for the franchise.

3. WR Paul Warfield

College: 1961 - 1963

NFL: 1964 - 1977

Statistics

427 receptions, 8,565 receiving yards, 85 receiving touchdowns

Awards

8 Pro Bowls

2X First-Team All-Pro

3X NFL champion

NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

NFL Network rated Warfield as the 71st greatest player of all-time. He was a graceful player who averaged over 20 yards per reception.

His numbers may not seem like much today but don't let that fool you. He was one of the greatest wideouts of all-time.

2. OL Jim Parker

College: 1954 - 1956

NFL: 1957 - 1967

Awards

8 Pro Bowls

8X First-Team All-Pro

2X NFL Champion

NFL 1950s All-Decade Team

NFL Anniversary 75th All-Time Team

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

NFL Network rates Parker as the 32nd greatest player of all-time. He was one of the greatest lineman to play the game, protecting Johnny Unitas. 

Parker played ten full seasons, earning eight Pro Bowl invitations. His versatility on the line was impressive; he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a tackle five times and three times as guard.

1. OT/K Lou Groza

College: 1942

NFL: 1946 - 1967

Awards

9 Pro Bowls

4X First-Team All-Pro

NFL 1950s All-Decade Team

Inducted into Hall of Fame

What makes him one of the best Buckeyes in NFL history?

Groza was in the NFL for an astounding 21 seasons. Though known for his kicking skill, he was also a great offensive tackle, earning nine trips to the Pro Bowl.

His kicking numbers don't look like much today; he made less than 55% of his kicks. Even so, Groza was the first great kicker and put special teams on the map.