Dick Himes, a towering figure in Ohio football history, died at his home in Luxemburg, Wisconsin, at the age of 80. His family confirmed that he had been receiving hospice care for Parkinson's disease, a condition that shadowed his final years.
A native of Canton, Himes first made his mark on the gridiron at Canton South High School, where he excelled on both offense and defense, earning a spot on the all‑Stark County team and being named county MVP in 1963. His athletic prowess also shone on the basketball court, where he helped the Wildcats to a 36‑5 record in his final two seasons.
At Ohio State, Himes continued to rise, starting three seasons and earning two‑time All‑Big Ten honors as a tackle. His collegiate performance caught the attention of the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the third round of the 1968 NFL Draft.
From Backup to Cornerstone
Initially behind future Hall of Famer Forrest Gregg, Himes quickly proved his durability, eventually becoming a fixture at right tackle. Over his decade‑long career with Green Bay, he started more than 100 games, joining an elite group of only five right tackles in franchise history to reach that milestone.
Teammates and coaches remembered him for his fundamentals and work ethic. Former Packers center Larry McCarren often praised Himes for his technical mastery of the line, noting that his approach set a standard for younger players.
Beyond the field, Himes leaves behind a legacy of quiet determination and community involvement. He requested no funeral or public announcement, asking instead that his brain be donated to Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy to aid research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The football world mourns the loss of a player whose journey from Stark County to the NFL embodied perseverance. His story continues to inspire aspiring athletes who view his life as a testament to both athletic excellence and scientific contribution.