We are almost two-thirds of the way through our SU Top 100 list and are still analyzing the list through our FizzCasts. Today, we give another nod to an offensive lineman. Coming right after Justin Pugh at No. 38 is Jim Ringo.
The center played for Syracuse under Head Coach Ben Schwartzwalder from 1950 to 1953. Ringo was a three-year starter, helping QB Pat Stark stay upright. In his junior year, Ringo helped both Bill Wetzel and Bob Leberman rush for over 600 yards a piece.
It is difficult to grade and rank offensive linemen, but Ringo deserves to be at the top of any O-line ranking in Syracuse history. His outstanding play earned him a spot on SU’s All-Century Team.
The special thing about Jim Ringo is what he did after Syracuse. He went on to play for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles in the early 1960’s. In Philly, Ringo won two NFL Championships. He was also a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, a ten-time Pro Bowler, and is a member of the Football Hall of Fame. Ringo also had a long coaching career after playing with stops in Chicago, Buffalo, New England, Los Angeles, and New York.
If you are voting at home and take into account what these athletes did after Syracuse, then Jim Ringo should be at the top of your list. He was an absolute stud in the pros and represented the Orange for 35 years.
Ringo sadly died in 2007 after a short illness at the age of 76.
Jim Ringo was a beast up front for the Orange and continued his legacy long after his years on the hill. He is very much deserving of the No. 38 spot on our SU Top 100 list.
