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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

Former Ohio State offensive lineman Ken Fritz passes away

Ken Fritz isn’t just a former Ohio State player, but the definition of an Ohio hero. He grew up in Ohio and eventually became an Ironton High School standout earning Ohio Class AA Lineman of the Year. Fritz earned a scholarship to Ohio State under Woody Hayes.

Fritz was an absolute stud for Ohio State as he was a letter-winner for all four seasons from 1976 through 1979. He was a part of the 1976 Orange Bowl championship team and in 1978 earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as well as Ohio State’s Top Offensive Lineman Award. In 1979, Fritz finished his college career strong earning All-American honors in addition to the expected first-team All-Big Ten nod.

Fritz is also known for being the player who held back Woody Hayes as he punched Charlie Bauman from Clemson. He played his final season under Earle Bruce.

Fritz passed away Tuesday at the age of 66. Anyone who had a chance to sit down with him knows how nice he was to Buckeye fans and was always happy to share a story.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

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