Orlando Pace

Born on November 4, 1975, in Sandusky, Ohio, Orlando Pace established himself as an exceptional athlete early in his career. He attended Ohio State University, where he majored in business and played for the Buckeyes football team from 1994 to 1996. During his college tenure, Pace was a two-time unanimous All-American, winning the Lombardi Award in 1995 and 1996, making him the only two-time winner of the award. He also secured the Outland Trophy in 1996 as the best college football interior lineman. His collegiate performance was so significant that the term “pancake block” gained wide recognition due to his dominant play, leading to his nickname “The Pancake Man.” Pace did not allow a single sack during his final two years at Ohio State, finishing fourth in the 1996 Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for an offensive lineman. In 1999, Sports Illustrated named him a starting offensive tackle on their “NCAA Football All-Century Team.”

In 1997, Pace was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, becoming the first offensive lineman since 1968 to be drafted first. He quickly became a cornerstone of the Rams’ offensive line, contributing to the success of the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense. For 12 seasons with the Rams (1997-2008), Pace protected quarterbacks like Kurt Warner and running backs like Marshall Faulk, who both earned MVP honors during his tenure. He was a critical component of the team that won Super Bowl XXXIV. Pace consistently earned recognition for his performance, including seven Pro Bowl selections and three First-team All-Pro honors in 1999, 2001, and 2003.

After his impactful career with the Rams, Pace played his final NFL season with the Chicago Bears in 2009. He retired as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in NFL history. In 2013, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Pace remains connected to the sport through various initiatives. His career is marked by consistent high-level performance and numerous accolades, solidifying his legacy as an iconic figure in football.