Lou Groza History
The Lou Groza Award is presented annually by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and given to the best placekicker in college football, but who is the man behind the award? Born to immigrant parents, Lou Groza was the smallest of four brothers but left a large impact on modern football. From his courageous service in World War II to a record-setting 21-season NFL career, Lou lived his life to the fullest. Although Lou passed away in 2000, his legacy lives on through the award and his four children. Explore the captivating journey of this extraordinary athlete and man.
Lou Groza
One of the All-time Great Kickers
The award is named in honor of one of the all-time great kickers in football history, Lou Groza. A six-time all-pro tackle, Groza really earned his fame, and his famous nickname, “The Toe,” as a kicker. Groza would go on to play for 21 seasons with Cleveland until he retired in 1967 as the last of the “original” Browns.
During his career, Groza set numerous franchise records, including most games played, most points scored, and an amazing 107 consecutive games in which he scored a point. The 1,608 career points he scored is still a Browns’ franchise record, and he ranks third all-time in league history. Lou was a nine-time all-pro and won an amazing eight championships, four in the AAFC (1946-1949) and four in the NFL (1950, 1954-1955, 1964).
Lou left a legacy that is still unmatched in NFL history. The name, Lou Groza is etched into football immortality. The Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award is a tribute to his life, his accomplishments and the challenge he left to aspiring kickers today.
