Willis Number To Be Retired – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Buckeye great will be honored at Wisconsin game
COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio State football legend Bill Willis will have his number retired in ceremonies at the Ohio State-Wisconsin game Saturday, Nov. 3, at Ohio Stadium.
A Buckeye lineman from 1942-44, Willis was a three-year starter playing both offense and defense. The Columbus native was a devastating blocker on offense and a punishing, relentless tackler on defense, despite his willowy 6-2, 215-lb. frame. Willis earned All-America honors in 1943 and 1944 (Ohio State’s first-such African-American honoree), and was a key part of the Buckeyes’ 1942 national championship squad.
Willis went on to a distinguished career with the Cleveland Browns (1946-53); he is considered to be the first African-American starter in professional football.
“Bill Willis is the ultimate Buckeye. His record of accomplishment on the field and the class and dignity he exudes exemplify the qualities of Ohio State. He is the consummate gentleman,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State director of athletics. “Recognizing his career and legacy as an athletics pioneer by retiring his jersey number is a way to salute not just the Willis family, but the Buckeye program overall.”
Willis, who is retired from his career as director of the Ohio Youth Commission, is a member of the Ohio High School, Ohio State Athletics, College Football and Pro Football halls of fame. Willis, who celebrates his 86th birthday Oct. 5, still lives in the Columbus area, as do two of his three sons.
“Bill Willis is an inspiration to all Buckeye fans and football fans in general,” said Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel. “His career was unparalleled and the class he has always demonstrated is extraordinary. It has been an honor to get to know Mr. Willis.”
Willis’ No. 99 jersey will be retired from service after the 2008 season. Other Ohio State retired numbers since 1999: Archie Griffin (45); Vic Janowicz (31); Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (40); Les Horvath (22); Eddie George (27); and Charles “Chic” Harley (47).
“It’s great to see Bill’s number retired. He is certainly an icon, and his achievements have been a pinnacle at all levels of football. The recognition is very deserving,” said Griffin, president of the Ohio State Alumni Association. The two-time Heisman Trophy winner was the first Buckeye athlete to have his number retired in any sport.
