When it comes to NFL talent, Ohio State is one of the first names that comes to everyone’s mind. Ohio State is widely recognized as a powerful alumni group that is overflowing with some legends. From Heisman winners to Super Bowl champions, the Buckeyes’ legacy extends far beyond college fields and comes third in college football history with 977 wins. But who among them is the most successful NFL player from Ohio State?

The answer isn’t just about the statistics but the story of unparalleled skill, moves, strategies, and a lot more. Names like Archie Griffin, Orlando Pace, and Cris Carter are gracing Ohio State football, the NFL’s monolith that has not been avoided. Let’s learn about the successful players in the NFL.

Ohio State’s Top Legends

The Buckeyes faced the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the college football finals. They have had 512 players who are selected in the NFL draft and 28 players into the College Football Hall of Fame (fourth).

DL Mike Vrabel

6-foot-4 Macedonian accepted his scholarship to attend Ohio State University and played at the defensive end from 1993 to 1996. He has been a two-time All-American, a two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, and won three Super Bowls as well (with the New England Patriots).

How has been his career? Vrabel’s lineman career ended in Columbus with a record of 36 sacks, 66 tackles for loss, and also two interceptions in 1995. Later, in 2011, he began his coaching career with Ohio State as a linebackers coach and from 2012 to 2013 as a defensive line coach.

OL Jim Parker

Offensive tackle Parker Ohio State’s journey started in 1954 to play football for the Buckeyes and ended in 1956. He played both offensively and defensively, which is a rare quality in any football player. What’s the most proud moment for him?

Jim Parker was the most valuable player on the Ohio State Buckeye football team in 1956 and unanimously got the All-American selection. He became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and an eight-time All-Pro.

OT Orlando Pace

Offensive tackle Orlando Pace played for the Ohio State Buckeye football team from 1994 to 1996 and was only the second true freshman ever to start on opening day. The 6-foot-7 was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 1996, has been a two-time Vince Lombardi Award winner in 1995 and 1996, and also in the same 1996 year he won the John Outland Trophy. If that was not enough, Pace gave up zero sacks from 1995-96.

RB Eddie George

American football coach and former actor Eddie George’s journey at Ohio State has been nothing short of amazing. He attended the university from 1992 to 1995, and while playing football for the Ohio Buckeye, George majored in landscape architecture. What about the yards and touchdowns?

On 5.6 yards per carry, George ran for 1,590 yards and 18 touchdowns in a season. George finished third with 43 career rushing touchdowns and second in Ohio State history with 3,578 career rushing yards at graduation. He went on to rush for 1,000 yards or more in seven of his nine NFL seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.

RB Archie Griffin

For seven seasons, American football running back Archie Mason Griffin was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. Griffin played for Ohio State from 1973 to 1975, and do you know he is first in Ohio history with 5177 career rushing yards and 20th with 25 rushing touchdowns? That’s so amazing, right?

In 1974 and 1975, Griffin won the most coveted individual award in collegiate football. Griffin then played with the Cincinnati Bengals for seven seasons, including Super Bowl XVI.