Two legendary Ohio State players are one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday, former Buckeyes Randy Gradishar and Jim Marshall were named among 31 senior semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024 by a 12-person selection committee.
Gradishar's Hall of Fame consideration comes from his 10 seasons as the centerpiece for the Denver Broncos' "Orange Crush Defense" from 1974-83. In that time, Gradishar was a seven-time Pro Bowler two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro and 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
At Ohio State, Gradishar was a consensus All-American in 1972 and a unanimous All-American in 1973. He also finished with the sixth-most Heisman Trophy votes in 1973 behind the winner, John Cappelletti of Penn State, and two Buckeyes, offensive lineman John Hicks (second) and running back Archie Griffin (fifth). Before his collegiate career ended, head coach Woody Hayes said, "Randy Gradishar is the finest linebacker I ever coached."
Marshall's run for the Hall of Fame comes from 20 seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. In those 20 seasons, Marshall never missed a game. His 282 consecutive games played are the most by a defensive player in pro football history and 58 games longer than the next closest defensive lineman. A member of Minnesota's “Purple People Eaters” defensive front, Marshall earned two Pro Bowl selections and has been credited with 130.5 sacks.
Before his decorated NFL career, Marshall added a couple of accolades to his résumé at Ohio State, including a national championship in 1957 and an All-American honor in 1958. Marshall's most memorable performance was in 1958 when, in a 14-14 tie with Purdue, he scored all 14 of Ohio State's points, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown and returning a blocked punt for a touchdown. He also kicked both of the Buckeyes' extra points.
The seniors committee will meet on Aug. 22 and may select up to three seniors for final consideration as members of the Class of 2024. Expansion of the seniors' pool for election to the Hall was approved in 2022 for the Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025.
