Orlando Pace was born on November 4, 1975, in Sandusky, Ohio. He grew up in the city and attended Sandusky High School. He played football and basketball. He stood out in both. In football, he earned national honors as a lineman. His size and skill set him apart early.
He enrolled at Ohio State University in 1994. He started as a freshman. He became a dominant offensive lineman. He won the Lombardi Award twice. He also won the Outland Trophy. He was a unanimous All-American two times. He finished fourth in Heisman voting in 1996. That was rare for a lineman. He became known for “pancake blocks.”
In 1997, the St. Louis Rams drafted him first overall. He was the first offensive lineman taken at No. 1 since 1968. He anchored the Rams’ offensive line for 12 seasons. He helped protect MVPs Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk. He blocked for several 3,000-yard passers and 1,000-yard rushers. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler. He started in and won Super Bowl XXXIV.
He played one final season with the Chicago Bears in 2009. He retired in 2010 after 13 seasons.
Pace was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. He joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
He once owned a restaurant in Sandusky. He stayed connected to his hometown. He is one of the most accomplished athletes ever from the city.
The St. Louis Rams selected Orlando Pace with the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.
A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Pace attended Sandusky High School, where he played football and basketball.
