Ohio State Legend and 1955 Heisman Winner Howard 'Hopalong' Cassady Passes Away
By Michael Luciano
The Ohio State Buckeyes, and college football as a whole, lost one of their most treasured sons today.
Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, a key member of Woody Hayes' early Ohio State teams and the winner of the 1955 Heisman Trophy, passed away on Friday at the age of 85.
Sad Buckeye news this morning. 1955 Heisman winner Howard “Hopalong” Cassady has passed away in Tampa according to a family member. One of school’s enduring greats. pic.twitter.com/KcVraUnr9h
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) September 20, 2019
Nicknamed "Hopalong" after the fictional cowboy of the same name, Cassady played as a halfback and defensive back for the Buckeyes, scoring 37 touchdowns in 36 games. He was a member of Hayes' undefeated 1954 team that went 10-0 and won the National Championship. He won the Heisman in 1955 when he rushed for 958 yards and 14 touchdowns, and was twice named as an All-American.
He was drafted third overall in the 1956 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, and played for them for the better part of seven seasons.
Cassady stayed connecting with sports after his retirement, serving as a scout with the New York Yankees for decades, and even coaching first base for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. His son Craig also played for Ohio State, and briefly cameoed with the New Orleans Saints.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Howard Cassady ’57.
— Ohio State Alumni (@OhioStateAlumni) September 20, 2019
He was a great Buckeye, Heisman Trophy winner and a legendary member of @OhioStateFB.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the entire Cassady family. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/qUvcFDWvlV
While the football community is mourning this loss, No. 40 will live on forever in Columbus.