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John Hicks the Record Setting Ohio State Rose Bowl Guard
John Hicks, born March 21, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, established himself as a dominant offensive lineman, leaving a mark on Ohio State University football and earning recognition as one of the game's all-time greats.
John according to the NFF was a two-time First Team All-American and undeniably one of the most outstanding Ohio State football players of all time.
College Career:
Hicks's tenure at Ohio State from 1970 to 1973 was marked by exceptional performance and leadership. A two-time First Team All-American, he was a cornerstone of the Buckeyes' offensive line. His 1971 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury, but he returned to full form, contributing to a period of remarkable success under legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his three full years of play, the Buckeyes won a national championship in 1970 secured three Big Ten titles. Hicks made history as the first player to start in three Rose Bowls, anchoring a powerhouse Ohio State team. Despite entering each game undefeated, the Buckeyes experienced mixed results. In the 1971 Rose Bowl, they fell to Stanford 27-17. The 1973 game saw them overwhelmed by USC, 42-17. However, Hicks and the Buckeyes turned the tables in the 1974 Rose Bowl, dominating USC 42-21, with Hicks leading the way for a dominant 323-yard rushing performance. These feats led to his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2009. His 1973 season was particularly remarkable, earning him unanimous All-American honors, the Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation's best interior lineman. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for an offensive lineman.
Road to the Pro Game:
Hicks's exceptional college career led to his selection by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft.
Drafted third overall by the New York Giants in 1974, Hicks was the sole college player invited to the draft. He started every regular season game at right guard for the Giants from 1974 to 1977. In April 1978, the Giants traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Jim Clack and Ernie Pough, but Hicks never played for Pittsburgh.
Football Legacy:
Hicks's football legacy is defined by his dominance on the offensive line at Ohio State. He is remembered as a key player in the Buckeyes' successful era under Woody Hayes, contributing to their national championship and Rose Bowl appearances. His numerous accolades, including the Lombardi and Outland Trophies, and his near-Heisman victory, underscore his exceptional talent and impact on the game. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 solidified his place among the legends of college football.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Two-time First Team All-American.
-National Championship (1970).
-Three Big Ten Titles.
-Three Rose Bowl appearances.
-Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee (2009).
-Unanimous All-American (1973).
-Lombardi Award (1973).
-Outland Trophy (1973).
-Second in Heisman Trophy Voting (1973).
-First-round NFL Draft pick (New York Giants).
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001).
John Hicks's exceptional talent and contributions to Ohio State football have cemented his place as a college football legend.
John according to the NFF was a two-time First Team All-American and undeniably one of the most outstanding Ohio State football players of all time.
College Career:
Hicks's tenure at Ohio State from 1970 to 1973 was marked by exceptional performance and leadership. A two-time First Team All-American, he was a cornerstone of the Buckeyes' offensive line. His 1971 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury, but he returned to full form, contributing to a period of remarkable success under legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his three full years of play, the Buckeyes won a national championship in 1970 secured three Big Ten titles. Hicks made history as the first player to start in three Rose Bowls, anchoring a powerhouse Ohio State team. Despite entering each game undefeated, the Buckeyes experienced mixed results. In the 1971 Rose Bowl, they fell to Stanford 27-17. The 1973 game saw them overwhelmed by USC, 42-17. However, Hicks and the Buckeyes turned the tables in the 1974 Rose Bowl, dominating USC 42-21, with Hicks leading the way for a dominant 323-yard rushing performance. These feats led to his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2009. His 1973 season was particularly remarkable, earning him unanimous All-American honors, the Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation's best interior lineman. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for an offensive lineman.
Road to the Pro Game:
Hicks's exceptional college career led to his selection by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft.
Drafted third overall by the New York Giants in 1974, Hicks was the sole college player invited to the draft. He started every regular season game at right guard for the Giants from 1974 to 1977. In April 1978, the Giants traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Jim Clack and Ernie Pough, but Hicks never played for Pittsburgh.
Football Legacy:
Hicks's football legacy is defined by his dominance on the offensive line at Ohio State. He is remembered as a key player in the Buckeyes' successful era under Woody Hayes, contributing to their national championship and Rose Bowl appearances. His numerous accolades, including the Lombardi and Outland Trophies, and his near-Heisman victory, underscore his exceptional talent and impact on the game. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 solidified his place among the legends of college football.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Two-time First Team All-American.
-National Championship (1970).
-Three Big Ten Titles.
-Three Rose Bowl appearances.
-Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee (2009).
-Unanimous All-American (1973).
-Lombardi Award (1973).
-Outland Trophy (1973).
-Second in Heisman Trophy Voting (1973).
-First-round NFL Draft pick (New York Giants).
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001).
John Hicks's exceptional talent and contributions to Ohio State football have cemented his place as a college football legend.
Jack Youngblood A Defensive End Legend Forged in Grit
Jack Youngblood, was born January 26, 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida and set out on a path of football path greatness. His journey began at the University of Florida, where he honed his skills as a dominant defensive end. A standout performer, Youngblood earned All-American honors in 1970, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and relentless pursuit of the quarterback.
-College Career
At the University of Florida, Jack Youngblood excelled as a defensive end. He set a school record for sacks (14) in 1969 and was named a first-team All-American in 1970. His impressive collegiate career culminated in being selected in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
-Road to the Pro Game
On the Rams Youngblood quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His relentless motor and ferocious pass rush made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Throughout his 14-year career, all with the Rams, Youngblood amassed numerous accolades, including seven Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors.
-Football Legacy
However, Youngblood's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. His unwavering determination and commitment to excellence became legendary. In the 1979 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, Youngblood suffered a broken leg, a devastating injury that should have sidelined him for the season. Yet, fueled by an indomitable will, he returned to the field just two weeks later, playing through excruciating pain to help lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. This display of grit and courage cemented his status as one of the toughest and most inspirational figures in NFL history.
Jack Youngblood's impact on the game transcended his on-field achievements. He served as a role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans, reminding us that true greatness is often forged in the face of adversity.
-Career highlights and Awards
-5× First-team All-Pro (1974–1976, 1978, 1979)
-3× Second-team All-Pro (1973, 1977, 1980)
-7× Pro Bowl (1973–1979)
-2× NFL sacks leader (1974, 1979)
-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
-St. Louis Football Ring of Fame
-Los Angeles Rams No. 85 retired
-First-team All-American (1970)
-First-team All-SEC (1970)
-Florida Football Ring of Honor (2006)
-Career NFL statistics
-Games played: 202
-Games started: 187
-Sacks: 151.5
-Fumble recoveries: 10
-Safeties: 2
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Jack Youngblood. (2024, December 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Youngblood
-College Career
At the University of Florida, Jack Youngblood excelled as a defensive end. He set a school record for sacks (14) in 1969 and was named a first-team All-American in 1970. His impressive collegiate career culminated in being selected in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
-Road to the Pro Game
On the Rams Youngblood quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His relentless motor and ferocious pass rush made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Throughout his 14-year career, all with the Rams, Youngblood amassed numerous accolades, including seven Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors.
-Football Legacy
However, Youngblood's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. His unwavering determination and commitment to excellence became legendary. In the 1979 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, Youngblood suffered a broken leg, a devastating injury that should have sidelined him for the season. Yet, fueled by an indomitable will, he returned to the field just two weeks later, playing through excruciating pain to help lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. This display of grit and courage cemented his status as one of the toughest and most inspirational figures in NFL history.
Jack Youngblood's impact on the game transcended his on-field achievements. He served as a role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans, reminding us that true greatness is often forged in the face of adversity.
-Career highlights and Awards
-5× First-team All-Pro (1974–1976, 1978, 1979)
-3× Second-team All-Pro (1973, 1977, 1980)
-7× Pro Bowl (1973–1979)
-2× NFL sacks leader (1974, 1979)
-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
-St. Louis Football Ring of Fame
-Los Angeles Rams No. 85 retired
-First-team All-American (1970)
-First-team All-SEC (1970)
-Florida Football Ring of Honor (2006)
-Career NFL statistics
-Games played: 202
-Games started: 187
-Sacks: 151.5
-Fumble recoveries: 10
-Safeties: 2
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Jack Youngblood. (2024, December 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Youngblood
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Tracy Rocker Auburn Defensive Star
April 9, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia, marked the birth of Tracy Rocker, a dominant defensive tackle whose collegiate career at Auburn University from 1985 to 1988 established him as one of the greatest defensive linemen in college football history. His sheer dominance on the field earned him numerous accolades and a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
-College Career:
Rocker was a force to be reckoned with for the Auburn Tigers. A three-time First Team All-SEC selection (1986-1988), he was also recognized as a consensus All-American in 1987 and a unanimous First Team All-American in his senior year, 1988. That same year, he achieved a historic feat by becoming the first SEC player to win both the Outland Trophy (nation's best interior lineman) and the Lombardi Award (nation's best college football player). His remarkable 354 career tackles remain the most by any Auburn down lineman, contributing to his selection to Auburn's Team of the Century and Team of the Decade for the 1980s. He also recorded an impressive 48 tackles for loss and 21 career sacks.
-Road to the Pro Game:
Following his decorated career at Auburn, Rocker was drafted in the third round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played for three seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Redskins (1989-1990) and briefly with the Orlando Thunder of the World Football League in 1992. While his NFL playing career was cut short by a knee injury, he earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 1989, showcasing his potential at the professional level.
-Football Legacy:
Tracy Rocker's football legacy extends far beyond his playing days. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, he is celebrated as one of the greatest college defensive linemen of all time. After his playing career, Rocker transitioned into coaching, becoming a highly respected defensive line coach at both the collegiate and professional levels. His coaching journey includes stints at Auburn High School, West Alabama, Troy State, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles, where he has mentored numerous talented players and contributed to championship-caliber teams.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Unanimous First Team All-American (1988)
-Consensus All-American (1987)
-3x First Team All-SEC (1986-1988)
-SEC Player of the Year (1988)
-Outland Trophy (1988)
-Lombardi Award (1988)
-Auburn Team of the Century
-Auburn Team of the Decade (1980s)
-354 Career Tackles (Auburn Record for Down Linemen)
-48 Tackles for Loss
-21 Career Sacks
-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
-Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
-Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
-College Career:
Rocker was a force to be reckoned with for the Auburn Tigers. A three-time First Team All-SEC selection (1986-1988), he was also recognized as a consensus All-American in 1987 and a unanimous First Team All-American in his senior year, 1988. That same year, he achieved a historic feat by becoming the first SEC player to win both the Outland Trophy (nation's best interior lineman) and the Lombardi Award (nation's best college football player). His remarkable 354 career tackles remain the most by any Auburn down lineman, contributing to his selection to Auburn's Team of the Century and Team of the Decade for the 1980s. He also recorded an impressive 48 tackles for loss and 21 career sacks.
-Road to the Pro Game:
Following his decorated career at Auburn, Rocker was drafted in the third round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. He played for three seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Redskins (1989-1990) and briefly with the Orlando Thunder of the World Football League in 1992. While his NFL playing career was cut short by a knee injury, he earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 1989, showcasing his potential at the professional level.
-Football Legacy:
Tracy Rocker's football legacy extends far beyond his playing days. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, he is celebrated as one of the greatest college defensive linemen of all time. After his playing career, Rocker transitioned into coaching, becoming a highly respected defensive line coach at both the collegiate and professional levels. His coaching journey includes stints at Auburn High School, West Alabama, Troy State, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles, where he has mentored numerous talented players and contributed to championship-caliber teams.
-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:
-Unanimous First Team All-American (1988)
-Consensus All-American (1987)
-3x First Team All-SEC (1986-1988)
-SEC Player of the Year (1988)
-Outland Trophy (1988)
-Lombardi Award (1988)
-Auburn Team of the Century
-Auburn Team of the Decade (1980s)
-354 Career Tackles (Auburn Record for Down Linemen)
-48 Tackles for Loss
-21 Career Sacks
-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
-Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
-Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
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football position:guard, NCAAF Jersey:Number 74, NFL Jersey:Number 85, altcategory:College HOF, EventDay:April 09, DOB:April 09
