COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Buckeye Nation is mourning the loss of Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, who died early Friday morning at age 85.
Cassady came to Ohio State to play for Coach "Woody" Hayes in 1952, where he finished his career with over 4,200 rushing yards, which was a school record at the time.
Cassady was an integral part of the Buckeyes' run to the National Championship in 1954, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 1955.
At the time, Cassady was the 3rd OSU football player to win the Heisman, behind Les Horvath and Vic Janowicz.
At Ohio State, he was also a shortstop for the Buckeye baseball team, earning a starting spot for three years.
After Ohio State, Cassady had an eight-year career in the NFL, most of that with the Detroit Lions. He also spent the 1962 season with the Cleveland Browns.
Cassady also worked for the New York Yankees organization, thanks to his connections with then-Owner George Steinbrenner. Cassady served as a scout and a first-base coach for the Columbus Clippers, who were the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate for decades.
Cassady had his number 40 retired by the Ohio State Football program in 2000.
A Columbus native, "Hopalong" attended and graduated from the former Central High School downtown.
(photo courtesy The Ohio State University)