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Lou Groza

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Louis Roy Groza (born January 25, 1924 - died November 29, 2000) was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He played one season for Ohio State University before being drafted into the Army. Upon discharge, Lou "The Toe" Groza was a player for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-1959 and 1961-1967. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his 21 years of play was unprecedented up to that time, and when he retired, he was last of the "original" Browns to do so.

While renowned for his kicking ability, Groza also played and started during most of his career as offensive tackle for the Browns. He was very proficient at both positions, named nine times to the NFL Pro Bowl and was All-NFL tackle six times. Groza also led the NFL in field goals in 1950, 1952-54, and 1957. In 1957, he also co-led the NFL in scoring. He was named the Sporting News' NFL Player of the Year in 1954.

Groza was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. His number 76 is retired by the Browns. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission established the Lou Groza Award in 1992, an award given to the best NCAA Division I kicker.

Lou Groza co-wrote a biography of his time playing football called "The Toe: The Lou Groza Story".

Pro Football Hall of Fame bio Lou Groza Award bio

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