Buckeye great, Jack Tatum passes away at age 61

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Ex-Ohio State Defender Jack Tatum Dies
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 1:15 PM
Updated: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 1:53 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State defensive back Jack Tatum died of a heart attack on Tuesday, 10TV Sports reported.
He was 61.
His death was confirmed by legendary Ohio State tackle John Hicks, a former teammate of Tatum.
Tatum played under coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State, where he was recruited as a running back. He later switched to defense, where he played linebacker and defensive back.
He was a first-team All-Big Ten player in 1968, 1969 and 1970 and was a unanimous All-American in 1969-70.
In 1970, he was selected as the nation's best defensive player and was among the top vote getters for the Heisman Trophy.
Nicknamed "The Assassin," Tatum played professionally for the Oakland Raiders.

 

[louts8wings]

sad day for osu! one hell of a player who will go down in osu history as one of the greats. my prayers go out to his family. very few people enjoyed getting tackled by this human missile!

 

[ScarletMerica]

Wow!! I feel like I just saw him on tv the other day supporting our Bucks. Sad sad to lose a great. R.I.P Jack

 

[BRB]

From punter Jon Thoma's twitter

Mr. Tatum always spoke to us before Michigan games. He told us if he had both legs he would strap up and hit em in the mouth with us.

R.I.P., one of the greatest of all time.

 

[Arapahoe]

Buckeye Nation will miss him...

 

[Block "O"]

i wore my tatum jersey today!!!! My second favorite Buckeye DB ever behind Winfield!!! RIP!!!!! Super Sophmores FTW!!!!!

 

[Anchorman]

He played an important role in tOSU football history. Herby said it best that when we beat Purdue, it opened up a new ERA in tOSU history. Brought the era of guys like Archie Griffin, Keith Byars, Terry Glenn, Chris Spielman, Eddie George.

RIP Jack! I named one of my cats Tatum after you!

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

When people talk about past Ohio State greats................when they speak of Tatum, they all just get a look of "that guy would kill you if he thought he could get away with it on the football field"

He will be missed by Buckeye nation...............prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.............

 

[rubbercity87]

damn. RIP Tatum.

 

[louts8wings]

anyone think in time they will retire his jersey?