Tribute to Lou Groza - The Toe

Tribute to
LOU GROZA "THE TOE"
1924 - 2000

To Berea and the rest of the world he was known as "The Toe" after the appendage that brought him early and lasting fame. He was installed in the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1974.
In 1990 Lou "The Toe" Groza was named the 25th recipient of the prestigious Grindstone Award and Berea's Outstanding Citizen in recognition of a long career as a distinguished athlete, businessman, a helper of the youth, a civic leader and supporter and a devoted family man

Lou was born in January 25, 1924 in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Born into a decidedly athletic family, believe it or not he was the smallest (at 6' 3") of three brothers. Lou received his degree from Ohio State in 1949 and became a professional insurance counselor and left tackle / place kicker for the Cleveland Browns, a position he held for 21 years.

1950 was also a big year for Lou, for it was then that he married Jackie. They made their home in Berea, where they have lived for 41 years, raising their family, a daughter and three sons. Lou lived by a personal creed that goes "always support a good cause in any way you can." His athletic skills led him to help and advise young athletes, as he did for many years at both Berea High School and Baldwin-Wallace College, as well as Punt, Pass and Kick competitions and school seminars. His interest in youth also was reflected in support and inspirational activities for Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, Jaycees and at football banquets and awards programs far and wide.

Though he gave his time unselfishly to young people, Lou also quietly served the citizens and the City of Berea in a number of ways. He was a longtime member and past director of Berea Rotary and chaired many charity fund raisers, drives and banquets. He signed autographs for the Berea Library levy kickoff and was a member of a fund raising committee for Mahler Museum expansion. Lou also had served on the Mayor's Environmental Control Advisory Committee.

As an emissary of good will all over the land, Lou has brought credit to himself and to Berea. As a friend and neighbor he was always humble and sincere. Lou was a warm and sensitive family man and churchgoer. In an era in which we badly need role models , Lou Groza stood out like a beacon for young and old alike.

On August 16, 1999, The City of Berea renamed First Avenue and assigned the Browns Headquarters the new address "76 Lou Groza Boulevard", in honor of Groza's retired number. Lou "The Toe" Groza wore number 76 as the team's place kicker for 21 seasons. The Berea Sandstone marker pictured here stands in front of the Cleveland Browns Headquarters as a monument to a great football player, a great man, and a great humanitarian.

Lou passed away on November 29, 2000. He will be missed.

The Groza Family at the 1999 Lou Groza Boulevard Dedication
PRO FOOTBALL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Selected to Pro Bowl 9 times

Scored a total of 1608 points (AAFC & NFL)

Chosen as an All-Pro offensive tackle

Played for Browns (NFL), a club record 17 seasons (21 including AAFC)

Kicked winning field goal in NFL title game Dec. 24, 1950

Browns retired uniform #76 as a tribute to an outstanding career