Jack Tatum, famously known as “The Assassin,” revolutionized the safety position with his hard-hitting, yet highly skilled style of play. A dominant defensive back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Tatum led his team to two National Championships and earned the title of National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970. Drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders, Tatum continued his elite performance in the NFL, becoming a three-time Pro Bowl selection over his 10-season career. Dive into the legacy of one of the gridiron’s most feared and effective defensive forces.

November 18, 1948 – Cherryville, North Carolina – The great Ohio State DB, Jack Tatum, was born into this world. He was often called the “Assassin” for his hard-hitting style of play, but he also could blanket a receiver in coverage. The National Football Foundation writes that Jack was a unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1970 and a consensus pick in 1969; Tatum earned First Team All-Conference honors three times and was named National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970. A three-year starter, Tatum led the Buckeyes to a 27-2 record, two National Championships, and at least a share of three Big Ten Conference titles.

The College Football Hall of Fame placed a plaque honoring Jack Tatum’s fine play in its Gridiron Greats Museum in 2004. After he completed college,  Tatum was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders in the 1971 NFL Draft. Tatum played in the NFL for 10 seasons, nine with Oakland and one with Houston, and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

Conclusion

Jack Tatum’s career is defined by his intensity and winning pedigree. From his days anchoring the Ohio State defense—where he led the Buckeyes to a stunning 27-2 record and two national titles—to his decade-long tenure in the professional ranks with the Raiders and Oilers, Tatum was a player who commanded respect and fear. His three-time Pro Bowl status underscores his consistent elite performance. Though often remembered for his ferocious nickname, “The Assassin,” Tatum’s complete legacy is that of a highly decorated College Football Hall of Famer and one of the most impactful defensive players to ever step onto the gridiron.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

College Career (Ohio State University)

• National Defensive Player of the Year (1970).
• Unanimous First Team All-America (1970).
• Consensus All-America (1969).
• 3x First Team All-Conference (Big Ten).
• Led Ohio State to a 27-2 record as a three-year starter.
• Contributed to two National Championships and at least a share of three Big Ten Conference titles.
• Honored with a plaque in the College Football Hall of Fame (2004).

Professional Career (Oakland Raiders / Houston Oilers)

• 3x Pro Bowl Selection.
• Played 10 seasons in the NFL (9 with Oakland, 1 with Houston).
• Selected in the First Round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.