Buckeye great Hicks dies at 65

COLUMBUS (AP) — College Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman and former Ohio State star John Hicks has died at age 65.

John Hicks, shown here in 1972, was a two-time All-American at Ohio State. -The Ohio State University Dept. of Athletics
John Hicks, shown here in 1972, was a two-time All-American at Ohio State. -The Ohio State University Dept. of Athletics

The school announced his death Sunday, saying his wife Cindy had told Ohio State.

Hicks won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Trophy in 1973 as the nation’s outstanding lineman. The right tackle finished second in Heisman Trophy voting that season.

The former New York Giants player is also in the Ohio State athletics hall of fame and the Rose Bowl hall of fame.

“I was stunned and saddened to hear the news of John Hicks’ passing,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said. “He was truly one of the all-time greats for this university who was always good to this football program and the community. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”