Rick Middleton (2023) | Hall of Fame Inductees

Rick Middleton

Induction:
2023

Rick Middleton started his football career with the Buckeyes as a tight end and was the team’s second-leading receiver in 1971. He then moved to linebacker for his junior and senior seasons. Middleton proved to be a natural at the position, leading the team in tackles as a junior (112) and finishing third in 1973 (92). The Buckeyes’ 1973 defense was one of the best in school history, yielding just 64 points in 11 games (5.8 points/game) while holding eight opponents to seven points or less. Middleton was a First Team All-Big Ten choice in 1973 and team captain that season. He was drafted with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft and had a five-year professional career with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers.