Ohio State Legend Ken Fritz Passes Away at the Age of 66

Former All-American and Ohio State Buckeyes great Ken Fritz passed away at the age of 66 on Tuesday.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost a member of their family.

Former Buckeyes lineman Ken Fritz passed away on Tuesday. Fritz, an All-American guard while at Ohio State, was 66.

Fritz's former teammate, receiver Doug Donley, spoke to the Columbus Dispatch following the announcement of the offensive guard's passing. Donley called Fritz a "driving force," adding he played an important role in Ohio State's victories over his time in Columbus.

"He was just a driving force on the offensive line," Donley said. "He was critical to our success. He was a leader."

Fritz was a three-year letter winner in football at Ironton High School before heading south to Ohio State. His excellence on the gridiron earned him several honors including Southeastern Ohio Athletic League Co-Player of the Year and Associated Press (AP) Ohio Class AA Lineman of the Year.

Following his senior season in Ironton, Fritz signed his letter of intent to play for Ohio State and coach Woody Hayes. Fritz would spend four years with the Buckeyes between 1976 and 1979.

Fritz received four varsity letters while a member of the Buckeyes football team, earning three with Hayes and his final one with coach Earle Bruce. Ending his career on a high note, Fritz was an All-Big Ten and consensus All-American as a senior.

In the 1980 NFL Draft, Fritz was chosen by the Pittsburgh Stealers in the tenth round with the 277th overall pick.

Fritz is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Betsy Logan, Patty Bies, Rosemary Branch, Kurt Fritz, Scott Fritz, stepson, Larry Thomas, and his four grandchildren, Anthony, Freddie III, Trevor, and Hendrick.