SAD NEWS:Ken Fritz, an Ohio State legend, dies at age 66

The family of the Ohio State Buckeyes has lost a member. Ken Fritz, a former lineman for the Buckeyes, passed away on Tuesday. Fritz was 66 years old and an All-American guard at Ohio State. After the news of Fritz’s demise broke, receiver Doug Donley, Fritz’s old teammate, spoke with the Columbus Dispatch. Donley referred to Fritz as a “driving force,” noting that during his tenure in Columbus, he was crucial to Ohio State’s triumphs.

“He was just a driving force on the offensive line,” Donley stated. “He was essential to our achievement. He held a leadership position.”

Before moving south to Ohio State, Fritz was a three-year letter winner in football at Ironton High School. He was named Southeastern Ohio Athletic League Co-Player of the Year and the Associated Press (AP) Ohio Class AA Lineman of the Year for his outstanding play on the football field. Fritz signed his word of intent to play at Ohio State and coach Woody Hayes after finishing his senior year in Ironton. Fritz would play for the Ohio State University for four years, from 1976 to 1979. As a player for the Buckeyes football team, Fritz earned four varsity letters: three from Hayes and his final from coach Earle Bruce. Fritz finished his career on a high note as a senior, being named an All-Big Ten and consensus All-American.

The Pittsburgh Stealers selected Fritz with the 277th overall choice in the tenth round of the 1980 NFL Draft. In addition to his stepson Larry Thomas, wife Mary, children Betsy Logan, Patty Bies, Rosemary Branch, Kurt Fritz, Scott Fritz, and four grandsons Anthony, Freddie III, Trevor, and Hendrick, Fritz is also survived by his stepson.