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Former Ohio State Heisman Trophy-winning RB ‘Hopalong’ Cassady dies at age 85
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Ohio State has always had great running backs. Back in 1955 even, a tailback named Howard “Hopalong” Cassady run through Buckeye opponents.
He won a Heisman Trophy that year.
But via a press release, it was announced that Cassady, at the age of 85, passed away.
Ohio State mourns the loss of Howard "Hop" Cassady
1955 Heisman Trophy winner led@OhioStateFB to 1954 National Championship
2x football All-American also was starting shortstop for@OhioStateBASE https://t.co/MgvSLJmPtq— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) September 20, 2019
The college football world reacted to the sad news about one of the greats:
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
The Heisman Trust mourns the loss of Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, the 1955 #Heisman winner from @OhioStateFB , who passed away today at the age of 85.https://t.co/PD32LTg1dv
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) September 20, 2019
Here's more on the passing of Hall of Famer Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, who helped @OhioStateFB win the national title in 1954. pic.twitter.com/EEoPQzu9w4
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 20, 2019
Here’s Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith in a statement:
“We’ve lost not only a legendary Buckeye, but also a wonderful person in Hop Cassady,” Smith said. “He was an all-time great Buckeye in every way. We will have the Cassady family in our thoughts and in our prayers.”
Cassady, a Columbus native, rushed for what was then a school record 2,466 yards. Even today, that mark still sits at No. 19 in Ohio State history.
From the release:
“Cassady earned his nickname of Hopalong from Columbus, Ohio, sportswriters during his first game, when he scored three touchdowns in a 33-13 win over Indiana and ‘hopped all over the field like the performing cowboy,’ a reference to the fictional, clean-cut hero, Hopalong Cassidy.”
Cassady was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.