COLUMBUS, Ohio - When thieves recently broke into Ohio State football legend Bill Willis' home on the city's east side, they took more than just his car. They also stole his 1942 National Championship ring.

Willis, who starred at Ohio State and was an All-American lineman in 1942 and 1943, was the first black player at Ohio State to earn All-American status, 10TV's Dan Fronczak reported.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Bill Willis

"He was to football what Jackie Robinson was to baseball," said Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel.

After college, Willis (pictured, right) went on to play for the Cleveland Browns and is still considered one of the first black players to start in the National Football League.

In addition to his National Championship ring, the thieves also took his Cleveland Browns championship ring that police have since recovered, Fronczak reported.

"It made me feel very disappointed in that they took something that didn't belong to them," Willis said.

After hearing about the robbery, Ohio State decided to make a replica of the stolen ring that it will present to Willis at halftime of Saturday's game against Wisconsin.
During the ceremony, Ohio State will also retire Willis' number 99, Fronczak reported.

"The best thing that we'll be able to do is, in that moment, put his face up on that video board," said Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith. "I know all Buckeye fans will resonate in that moment because he is so special."

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