He accepted a scholarship from Miami University, where he was coached by John Pont and Bo Schembechler.
He established 14 records and is still Miami University's all-time total offensive leader with 3,978 yards.
His 88-yard touchdown pass enabled Miami to defeat Purdue, 10–7, for the upset of the collegiate football season in 1962.
In 1965, he was signed to the taxi squad of his hometown Cleveland Browns based on a recommendation from Schembechler.
He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1968;[4] he intercepted six passes that year, his highest season total.