COLUMBUS – Heisman Trophy winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, two-time All-American for the Ohio State Buckeyes, died early Friday morning, the university Department of Athletics announced.
The 1955 Heisman Trophy winner died in Tampa, Fla., where he has lived since 1974 with his wife, Barb.
He was 85 years old.
Cassady rushed for 958 yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to becoming the third of Ohio State’s seven Heisman winners
His sons, Craig and David, live in Chautauqua Lake, N.Y., and Dublin while daughter Rayne resides in Columbus.
Cassady played for the Buckeyes and Coach Woody Hayes from 1952-55 and helped the team to a 29-8 record and to the 1954 national championship.
He finished his career with 2,466 rushing yards which, at the time, was an Ohio State record, and is still 19th on the career rushing list at OSU. He scored 37 touchdowns in 36 games.
Cassady will be honored at Ohio Stadium Saturday during Ohio State’s game against Miami.
Funeral arrangements are pending.