CLEVELAND, Ohio — Former Browns offensive lineman Dick Schafrath passed away on Sunday at the age of 84.
“The Cleveland Browns were saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Schafrath,” the team said in a statement on Monday. “He was a Cleveland Brown and Ohioan to his core. Schafrath’s unmatched work ethic helped establish what it means to be a Cleveland Brown. He was one of the most decorated offensive linemen in team history, earning numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He also helped the Browns capture the 1964 NFL Championship and opened holes for three Hall of Fame runners. We send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Schafrath played his entire NFL career with the Browns. He played for 13 seasons in Cleveland, starting 158 of his 176 career games at left tackle.
“I played behind Dick for one season and he was just a pleasure to be around,” former Browns offensive lineman Doug Dieken said in a statement. “Not a lot of guys would have taken me under their wing the way he did. He was a great player. His credentials merit the Hall of Fame, but he was also a first class person.”
He was a four-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler. In 1964, Schafrath was part of the last Browns team to win an NFL championship. He was one of four offensive players who made the Pro Bowl that season. The other three were Frank Ryan, Jim Brown and Paul Warfield. Brown joined Schafrath on the All-Pro team.
Schafrath played his college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the Browns with the No. 23 pick in the 1959 NFL Draft.
“Right after I was drafted, I learned about the rich history of the left tackle position for the Cleveland Browns,” former Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas said in a statement. “Some of the NFL’s all-time greats lined up in that spot – from Lou Groza to Dick Schafrath to Doug Dieken. Dick helped set the standard for left tackles in the NFL, and I am truly saddened to hear of his passing.”
After football, Schafrath had a lengthy political career, serving in the Ohio Senate from 1987 until he retired in 2000.
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