By Darin 
Before the era of specialized rosters, one man proved that you could be the most feared offensive tackle in the league while simultaneously being its most lethal scoring weapon. Lou “The Toe” Groza didn’t just play football; he revolutionized the kicking game and served as the cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ golden era. From the frozen fields of the 1950 Championship to his 21-season ironman career, this is the story of a true gridiron pioneer.
via Carling Black Label
Football Bio
January 25, 1924 – Martins Ferry, Ohio – Ohio State lineman and place kicker Lou “the Toe” Groza was born. We have talked quite a bit about Groza in our headlines over the past couple of months, especially during big games for the Cleveland Browns. In particular, the last-second field goal that gave the Browns the 1950 NFL Championship.
The Hall of Fame states that Groza’s career lasted for 21 seasons. In the first 12, he played offensive tackle and kicked. In the last 9, he was a kicking specialist. The Toe was the last of the original Cleveland Browns to retire from the League. He made the All-NFL as a tackle 6 times and was the NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Lou scored 1,608 points in his 21 seasons. He played in 4 AAFC Championships and nine NFL Title Games. Lou Groza was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Conclusion
Lou Groza’s legacy extends far beyond the uprights. As the last original member of the Cleveland Browns to hang up his cleats, he bridged the gap between the AAFC and the modern NFL. His ability to dominate the trenches as an All-Pro tackle while leading the league in scoring transformed how coaches viewed the value of a kicker. Today, his name lives on through the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker—a fitting tribute to the man who made “The Toe” a household name.
Accolades and Career Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1974.
- NFL Player of the Year: 1954 (The Sporting News).
- All-NFL Selection: 6-time selection as an offensive tackle.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 9-time Pro Bowler.
- Championship Record: Played in 13 total title games (4 AAFC, 9 NFL).
- Career Points: Scored 1,608 total points across 21 seasons.
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team: Recognized as one of the best of his era.
- Number Retired: His #76 is retired by the Cleveland Browns.
- Last-Second Hero: Kicked the winning field goal in the 1950 NFL Championship.
