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Ben Espy, Former Ohio Senator, Ohio State Football Player, Dies At 81

By January 7, 2025 (1:40 pm)Football

Ben Espy, a former Ohio State football player and Ohio Senator, died on Saturday at the age of 81.

He earned a political science degree while he was at Ohio State, and went on to earn a law degree from Howard University to serve as the President Pro Tem of Columbus City Council beginning in 1982 and the assistant Senate majority leader for two years before being the minority leader for four years, leaving office in 2002.

“Ben Espy was a remarkable leader and advocate for the people of Columbus,” Mayor Andrew Ginther said in a statement Saturday. “His commitment to community and spirit of service changed our city for the better, from championing justice and equality to expanding job opportunities for future generations.”

He was a Buckeye from 1962-64 after graduating from Sandusky High School and wasn’t able to see much playing time, just 14 games in those three seasons in which he had 31 rushing attempts for 102 yards and no scores. He graduated from Ohio State in 1965 after playing under Woody Hayes for three seasons.

Image from ABC 6 Online

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