Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Bob Atha died on Tuesday at the age of 65. According to his obituary and family statements, he died at his home in Worthington, Ohio, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Atha is survived by his wife, Carol and their three children, a daughter, Lauren, and two sons, Hunter and Tanner.
Dr. Peter Kourlas and OhioHealth Hospice helped Atha’s wife, Carol, in caring for the former Buckeyes star at home.
Bob Atha was known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of Ohio State football due to his rare ability to contribute as a kicker, punter and quarterback. He joined the program as a preferred walk-on in 1978 and played under coaches Woody Hayes and Earle Bruce.
1981 was his breakout season. He served as the primary placekicker and punter while remaining the backup quarterback behind Mike Tomczak.
On Oct. 24, 1981, against Indiana, Atha set an Ohio State and Ohio Stadium record by kicking five field goals in a single game.
This record stood alone for over 20 years. It has only been tied by three other Buckeyes since (Mike Nugent, Josh Huston, and Devin Barclay).
Bob Atha’s NFL Career After Successful NCAA Football Trajectory
Bob Atha was selected in the 12th round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.
He signed with the team in June 1982 but was released on Aug. 31, 1982, during the final roster cuts before the regular season.
Next, Atha’s negotiation rights were traded to the Los Angeles Express of the newly formed United States Football League (USFL). He signed with the Express in October 1982 in preparation for their inaugural 1983 spring season. However, he was released in February 1983 before the season began.
Atha’s final stint in the NFL was with the Miami Dolphins under coach Don Shula.
He signed with Miami in April 1983 and participated in the team’s offseason programs and preseason training camp but was released in August 1983.
Following his NFL career, he focused on the oil and gas industry.
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