Rex Kern Biography

Rex William Kern, born on May 28, 1949, is an American former professional football player. He has played professional football in the National Football League as a defensive back for the Baltimore Colts and Buffalo Bills. Kern served as quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1968 to 1970, during which the team achieved an undefeated season in 1968 and claimed the national championship. In 2007, Rex Kern was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Despite a strong interest in playing basketball for Fred Taylor at Ohio State, Kern ultimately focused on football after receiving a scholarship offer. Taylor and head coach Woody Hayes agreed that Kern could participate in both football and basketball. Kern returned from back surgery in June to become the first-string quarterback for the varsity team, surpassing senior Bill Long, who had played quarterback in 1967.