Richard Philip Schafrath (March 21, 1937 – August 15, 2021) was an American offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, former Ohio State Senator, and author.

Because of his strong work ethic and occasional stubborn determination friends and teammates nicknamed him "The Mule".

By his senior year of high school, the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes were actively recruiting him.

While teams and players in this era were becoming specialized, coach Woody Hayes asked Schafrath to play both sides of the ball, as offensive tackle and defensive end.

[3] In 1959, during his senior year, Schafrath left Ohio State University to become a second round NFL draft pick and join the Cleveland Browns.

The Professional Football Researchers Association named Schafrath to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2007.

Fifty years after leaving Ohio State University, Schafrath returned to complete his college diploma.

Schafrath had seven children from two marriages; Jefferson, Renee, Ty, Heidi, Bruin, Gerrit, and Isaac.