The Ohio State community is mourning the loss of former quarterback, punter, and kicker Bob Atha, who has passed away at 65 after a difficult, years-long fight with cancer.
Ohio State has already been navigating through turbulent headlines. Earlier this year, University President Ted Carter stepped down following an inappropriate relationship investigation. Meanwhile.
Amid all this, news of Atha’s passing struck an emotional chord with Buckeye fans who remember his contributions during a very different era of the program.
Bob Atha played at Ohio State from 1978 to 1981, taking on multiple roles during his time with the team. He backed up quarterback Art Schlichter and kicker Vlade Janakievski during his early years.
In 1981, Atha led the Buckeyes in scoring with 88 total points. He made 13 field goals, converted 43 extra points, and even scored a touchdown a rare feat for a specialist.
That record has only been matched a handful of times since, tying him with Mike Nugent, Josh Huston, and Devin Barclay. For many longtime fans, that 1981 performance remains a defining moment.
After college, Atha went on to play in the NFL, spending time with the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. His professional career was short, but his impact at Ohio State never faded.
Teammates and fans remember him as a reliable, hardworking player who stepped up whenever the team needed him whether as a quarterback, kicker, or punter.
Bob Atha’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for the Ohio State family. He leaves behind a legacy of versatility, competitiveness, and dedication that still resonates decades later.