The long wait is over, Randy Gradishar is officially a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
The former Ohio State linebacker and key member of the Denver Broncos’ “Orange Crush” defense — which terrorized opponents throughout the 1970s and 80s — will forever be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.
Randy Gradishars been waiting for this moment #PFHOF24
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2024
: @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on NFLN/ESPN
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A native of Champion, Ohio, Gradishar remained in-state to play for legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes and the Buckeyes during his collegiate career. At Ohio State, Gradishar blossomed into one of the nation’s most fearsome defenders, becoming a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten linebacker under Hayes’ tutelage.
While Hayes brought the best out of Gradishar on the field, it was his life lessons and commitment to bettering his community that stuck out the most to Gradishar.
“Woody was committed to the best and we all felt that,” Gradishar said during his speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. “The most valuable experience Coach Woody had in my life was his pay-it-forward lifestyle. On Fridays during spring quarters, Woody and I — with the team — went to assisted living homes, facilities, middle schools and high schools. We went through them and talked to people.
“Coach Woody Hayes’ pay-it-forward philosophy really influenced me to develop a lifestyle of serving.”
While at Ohio State, Gradishar forged strong ties with two-time Heisman Trophy-winning running back Archie Griffin — who played a key role in Gradishar’s spiritual journey as a Christian. Gradishar credited Griffin for inviting him to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting, which began his lifelong commitment to Christianity.
“Archie, years ago, invited me to an on-campus Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study during my senior year,” Gradishar said. “It was the best invitation I’ve ever had, and at age 22, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”
Following his Ohio State career, Gradishar served as the anchor for the dominant Denver Broncos defenses of the late 1970s and early 1980s, dubbed the “Orange Crush.” With the Broncos, Gradishar racked up a mind-boggling 2,049 tackles across 10 seasons — most of which only consisted of 14 games — while making seven Pro Bowl appearances and earning 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
