COLUMBUS, Ohio - Bill Willis, who starred as an All-American tackle at Ohio State University in 1943 and 1944, died Tuesday night, 10TV News reported.

He was 86.

Willis' death came after a battle with an illness. No other details were made available Tuesday night.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Bill Willis  |  VIDEO: Bill Willis Honored

Willis, who was born in Columbus and attended East High School, was a member of Ohio State's 1942 National Championship team. He also earned All-American honors in 1943 and 1944 -- the first black player at Ohio State to earn such honors.

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

Willis (pictured, right) was honored earlier in November during halftime of Ohio State's game with Wisconsin when the university retired his number 99.

The ceremony came shortly after Willis' east side home was burglarized by thieves who took his 1942 National Championship ring.

After learning about the robbery, Ohio State presented him with a replica ring in front of 100,000 fans.

"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."

Hours before Willis' death on Tuesday, Columbus police announced that detectives recovered Willis' stolen championship ring, 10TV News reported.

Three teenagers were charged with burglary in the case.

Willis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

After his playing days at Ohio State, Willis went on to play for the Cleveland Browns and is still considered one of the first black players to start in professional football.

He appeared in three Pro Bowls during the early 1950s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Willis later served as Director of the Ohio Youth Commission.

Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.

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Nov. 1, 2007: Buckeye Football Legend's Championship Rings Stolen