Groza named to High School Football Hall of Fame
Lou Groza, former great kicker and tackle of the Cleveland Browns, holds onto a bust of himself, after he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on July 27, 1974. (AP Photo)
The late Lou Groza will add another honor to what already is a very long and illustrious list.
The former Martins Ferry High School, Ohio State and Cleveland Browns standout will take his place in the High School Football Hall of Fame, the organization announced Wednesday. Groza is a member of the fourth induction class, which includes 18 other individuals and groups.
The ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 11, in Brook Park, Ohio, which will be the future home of the organization’s museum. Admission is free.
“This class represents excellence, courage, leadership, and the true spirit of high school football,” High School Football Hall of Fame Founder and CEO LaMont Robinson said. “From legendary athletes to groundbreaking coaches and historic contributors, these honorees have inspired generations.”
Groza already has a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted in 1974 following a legendary Browns career that lasted all but one season between 1946 and 1967. As a kicker and tackle, Groza was on Browns teams that won four All-American Football Conference and four National Football League championships. He was a four-time first-team NFL All-Pro, a two-time second-team NFL All-Pro and a nine-time Pro Bowler.
He’s famously nicknamed “The Toe” for his prowess as a placekicker. During his pro career, he led his league in field goal attempts six times, in field goals made six times and in field goal percentage three times.
The award for college football’s top kicker is named after Groza, who died in 2000 at age 76.
Groza was a multi-sport standout at Martins Ferry, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He captained the high school’s state basketball champions in 1941 and was also captain of the baseball team.






