Former Ohio State defensive end Mike Kudla, who played on the 2002 national championship team, died on Sunday, July 15, 2018. He was 34 years old. His high school, Highland High School in Medina, Ohio, confirmed his death in a statement posted on Facebook. The cause of death was not disclosed.
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A Star Player for the Buckeyes
Kudla was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, where he was a two-time All-Ohio selection and a USA Today All-American. He joined Ohio State in 2002 and was part of the team that won the BCS national title that year, defeating Miami in a thrilling double-overtime game.
Kudla played for the Buckeyes from 2002 to 2005, earning All-Big Ten honors as a senior. He finished his career with 91 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He still holds the program record for bench press at 610 pounds and at one point, he held the NFL Combine record for most reps on the bench with 45.
A Rare Illness and a Successful Career
Kudla’s football career was not without challenges. In 2003, he was diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a rare illness that causes high fever and severe eye damage. He was read his last rites and spent two weeks in a hospital. He recovered from the condition and returned to the field later that season.
Kudla went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft but signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent. He was released by the Steelers before the start of the season and later played for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe.
After his playing days, Kudla became a successful businessman and a leader in his community. He worked as the managing director of development at Fisher College of Business at Ohio State and as the chief operating officer and senior vice president for Hplex Solutions Inc., a healthcare development company.
He also served as the president of the Ohio State Football Alumni Club and was involved in several charitable causes, including The 2nd & 7 Foundation, which promotes literacy among children.
A Beloved Buckeye Gone Too Soon
Kudla’s death shocked and saddened many of his former teammates, coaches, friends, and fans. He was remembered as a hard-working, passionate, and loyal Buckeye who always gave his best on and off the field.
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer tweeted his condolences, saying “Mike Kudla was a special person who made everyone he met feel like they were his friend. He had an incredible impact on so many people during his time at Ohio State and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith also paid tribute to Kudla on Twitter, writing “Rest easy my brother Mike Kudla #57… You are gone too soon. Thank you for being a great teammate and friend.”
Kudla is survived by his parents, Michael and Mary Ann Kudla; his sister, Nicole Blubaugh; his brother-in-law, Brian Blubaugh; his niece, Ella Blubaugh; and his nephew, Owen Blubaugh.
