Former Green Bay Packers Tackle Dick Himes Dies at 80, Leaves Behind Underrated Legacy
The Green Bay Packers community is mourning the loss of former offensive tackle Dick Himes, who passed away on July 5 at the age of 80.
While Himes may not be one of the most recognizable names in franchise history, his contributions to the Packers over a decade-long career deserve to be remembered. According to Packers historian Cliff Christl, Himes was one of the most overlooked offensive linemen of his era, largely because he spent most of his career on teams that struggled to win consistently.
Himes Was a Fixture on the Green Bay Packers’ Offensive Line
Selected by the Packers in the third round of the 1968 NFL Draft, Himes spent all 10 of his NFL seasons in Green Bay.
The longtime right tackle appeared in 135 games and started 104 of them, making him one of the most durable and dependable offensive linemen of his generation. He eventually became one of only five right tackles in Packers history to start more than 100 games at the position.
One of the highlights of his career came during the 1972 season, when he started all 14 games and helped the Packers capture the NFC Central Division title with a 10-4 record.
Unfortunately, successful seasons were rare during that era. Green Bay posted only two winning records during Himes’ decade with the franchise, which likely contributed to his accomplishments being overlooked by many fans outside Wisconsin.
An Unsung Talent
Green Bay Packers historian Cliff Christl has long argued that Himes never received the recognition he deserved.
According to Christl, Dick Himes’ strong play was often overshadowed by the struggles of the teams around him. He even suggested that Himes belongs in the Packers Hall of Fame, alongside former teammate Gale Gillingham, who lined up next to him for much of his career.
Former Packers center Larry McCarren echoed those sentiments when discussing Himes’ football background.
“Dick was from the Woody Hayes school at Ohio State,” McCarren said. “So he knew the right way to go about this stuff.”
That reputation for toughness, discipline, and consistency followed Himes throughout both his college and professional careers.
Ohio State Star Before NFL Career
Before arriving in Green Bay, Himes built an impressive résumé at Ohio State.
Born in Canton, Ohio, he became a standout player for the Buckeyes and showcased remarkable versatility during his collegiate career. Himes played defensive end as a sophomore, defensive tackle as a junior, and offensive tackle as a senior.
He earned All-Big Ten honors at two different positions, highlighting just how valuable he was to one of college football’s premier programs.
Playing under legendary coach Woody Hayes helped prepare him for a decade-long NFL career built on hard work and reliability.
A Final Contribution Beyond Football
Himes’ impact extended beyond the football field.
According to reports, he passed away from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. In one final selfless act, he requested that his brain be donated to Boston University’s CTE Center to assist researchers studying the effects of head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases.
The decision reflects a desire to help future generations of athletes and advance understanding of conditions that have affected many former football players.
Remembering a Packers Mainstay
Himes may not have accumulated the accolades of some of Green Bay’s most famous stars, but his place in franchise history is secure.
For 10 seasons, he anchored the right side of the Packers’ offensive line, started more than 100 games, and provided stability during a challenging era for the organization.
As Packers fans reflect on his life and career, Himes will be remembered not only as a dependable player but also as one of the franchise’s most underappreciated contributors.
His legacy remains a reminder that some of the most important players in team history aren’t always the ones who receive the most attention.
