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Two-time All-American offensive lineman John Hicks died overnight because of complications from diabetes, according to his family, resulting in an outpouring of support and tributes Sunday from the Ohio State community. He was 65.

Hicks is among the most celebrated offensive tackles in college football history. He was the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Trophy winner in 1973 and finished No. 2 in the Heisman balloting. The College Football Hall of Famer was picked in the 1974 NFL Draft, but injuries prevented him from replicating that success at the next level.

Legendary Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin told the Columbus Dispatch that Hicks' Ohio State teammates called him "The Godfather" because he was someone that anyone could reach out to in a time of need and get a response.

"Everyone knows what he did on the field," Griffin said, via Tim May. "But overall, he was just a terrific man. What he did off the field was also unbelievable."

Hicks was a Cleveland native, just like Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, who offered his perspective in a statement on Sunday.

"I have known John since I was in high school in Cleveland; he was one of my idols," Smith said. "His impact on our community cannot be measured. He was a man's man."

Urban Meyer took to Twitter to offer his condolences and celebrate Hicks' career in the wake of his death.