Professional Football Player. For thirteen seasons (1959 to 1971), he played at the offensive tackle position in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. Born Richard Phillip Schafrath, he was a multi-sport athlete during his years at Wooster High School in Ohio (baseball and football). He played collegiate football at Ohio State University and while with the Buckeyes under legendary coach Woody Hayes, he contributed to a national championship in 1957 which resulted in a Rose Bowl win. Selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 2nd round of the 1959 NFL Draft, he totaled 176 career regular season games. During the course of his career, he experienced a world championship with the 1964 NFL Champion Cleveland Browns as he provided key blocking for Hall of Fame running backs Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly and Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield. Individually, he earned All-Pro status four-times and Pro-Bowl honors six-times. After retiring as a player, he served as an offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins under George Allen. He began an interest in the political arena and was elected as a member of the Republican Party to the Ohio State Senate where he served from 1987 until 2003. He received the honor of Cleveland Browns Legend in 2003.
Professional Football Player. For thirteen seasons (1959 to 1971), he played at the offensive tackle position in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns. Born Richard Phillip Schafrath, he was a multi-sport athlete during his years at Wooster High School in Ohio (baseball and football). He played collegiate football at Ohio State University and while with the Buckeyes under legendary coach Woody Hayes, he contributed to a national championship in 1957 which resulted in a Rose Bowl win. Selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 2nd round of the 1959 NFL Draft, he totaled 176 career regular season games. During the course of his career, he experienced a world championship with the 1964 NFL Champion Cleveland Browns as he provided key blocking for Hall of Fame running backs Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly and Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield. Individually, he earned All-Pro status four-times and Pro-Bowl honors six-times. After retiring as a player, he served as an offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins under George Allen. He began an interest in the political arena and was elected as a member of the Republican Party to the Ohio State Senate where he served from 1987 until 2003. He received the honor of Cleveland Browns Legend in 2003.
Bio by: C.S.
Gravesite Details
Buried as Richard Phillip Schafrath. Section 60-VET, Lot 81, Row 20
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