Bob Ferguson crushes opposing defenses with unmatched power, cementing his legacy as one of Ohio State’s greatest fullbacks. Carrying the ball with a bullish running style that defined Woody Hayes’ “three yards and a cloud of dust” philosophy, Ferguson punished tacklers and rarely went down easily. From his stellar National Championship run to becoming the first African-American player to win the Maxwell Award, discover the story of the Buckeye powerhouse who left an indelible mark on college football.
Football Bio
August 29, 1939 – Bob Ferguson, a fullback from Ohio State University, was born.
After a great 1961 season, Ferguson was the winner of the Maxwell Award and runner-up for the Heisman that year.
He was selected in the first round by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the AFL’s San Diego Chargers, and he chose the Steelers.
He suffered a head injury early in his NFL career, so after two seasons with the Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, he retired from football.
In 1996, the College Football Hall of Fame recognized Bob Ferguson by enshrining him in its Museum of Football Legends. [National Football Foundation]
Conclusion
Bob Ferguson stands as a towering figure in Ohio State history, demonstrating exactly what it takes to dominate the Big Ten. He bulldozes his way into the record books, never once suffering a tackle behind the line of scrimmage throughout his entire collegiate career. Even though his professional journey ended prematurely, Ferguson’s legendary 1961 season and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame ensure that fans will always remember him as the ultimate Buckeye fullback.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996.
- Maxwell Award Winner: 1961 (First African-American recipient).
- Heisman Trophy Runner-Up: Finished 2nd in the 1961 voting behind Ernie Davis.
- UPI College Football Player of the Year: 1961.
- 2Γ Unanimous First-Team All-American: 1960, 1961.
- National Champion: 1961 (FWAA).
- NFL First Round Pick: Selected 5th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1962 NFL Draft.
- Unstoppable Force: Holds the rare distinction of never being tackled for a loss during his college career.
- Ohio State Varsity “O” Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1987.
- Ohio State All-Century Team: Selected in 2000.
From the Ohio State Yearbook 1962.
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