Former Ohio State lineman John Hicks has passed away, the school confirmed Sunday afternoon. Hicks was 65.
The news was first reported by 10TV in Columbus. According to the report, Hicks' family said he passed away due to complications from diabetes.
“I was stunned and saddened to hear the news of John Hicks’ passing,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said in a press release. “He was truly one of the all-time greats for this university who was always good to this football program and the community. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Hicks was a two-time All-American tackle for the Buckeyes in 1972 and 1973. He was the 1973 Outland and Lombardi Award winner and finished second in the Heisman Trophy during that same season.
Hicks was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2009 having played in the game three times. He's also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame.
He was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He spent five seasons in the NFL.
RIP to Buckeye legend John Hicks. First round draft pick, Outland/Lombardi award winner, and runner-up for the Heisman trophy. pic.twitter.com/BtRsj7LIFi
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) October 30, 2016
