Statement by President E. Gordon Gee

"Bill Willis was a great Buckeye and a highly valued member of The Ohio State University family. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to honor him earlier this month in Ohio Stadium by retiring his No. 99 jersey – an event that tugged on the heartstrings of all 105,000 fans in attendance. Bill's achievements in football helped pave the way for other African Americans in collegiate and professional sports, and his life's achievements made us proud to call him an Ohio State alumnus."