Ted Nesser

During his professional football career, he played for the Columbus Panhandles, Massillon Tigers, Akron Indians, Canton Bulldogs and Shelby Blues.

In 1906, he reputedly ended the career of Willie Heston, a former Michigan All-American, with a hard tackle in a Massillon Tigers-Canton Bulldogs game.

In 1908, Ted reputedly stayed for a game with two broken bones protruding from an arm, just because he thought that his brothers needed him.

He was also considered a football genius and is credited with originating several plays including the triple pass, the criss-cross and the short kickoff.

In 2015, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Nesser to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2015.

Ted Nesser, at left, and his brothers comprised the core of the 1921 Columbus Panhandles team.