BEREA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Cleveland Browns mourn the loss of former standout offensive lineman Dick Schafrath, who passed away Sunday night at the age of 84.
The team released the following statement on Monday:
“The Cleveland Browns were sad to hear of Dick Schafrath’s death. He was a Cleveland Brown and Ohioan through and through. 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 and received numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro awards. He also helped the Browns win the 1964 NFL championship and opened holes for three Hall of Fame runners. We express our deepest condolences to his family. “
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Schafrath, born in Wooster, Ohio, played college football at Ohio State before being selected by the Browns in the second round of the 1959 NFL Draft by Paul Brown. He played all 13 seasons in the NFL with Cleveland and helped lead the Browns to the 1964 NFL championship.
During his career, Schafrath was a four-time All-Pro, received six Pro Bowl nominations, and helped block three Hall of Fame running backs – Jim Brown, Bobby Mitchell, and Leroy Kelly.
In 2003 he was elected to the Browns Legends Club.
Four years after his retirement, Schafrath joined the coaching staff of George Allen of the Washington Redskins as an offensive line coach, a position he held until 1977. In 1986, Schafrath began a political career and won a seat in the Ohio State Senate. He served in the Ohio Senate until he retired from politics in 2003.
