Truman State University Athletics

Rich Rhodes came to the university after a brilliant high school career at Eureka (IL) High School, where he was accorded All-State recognition. He was considered by many people in that area as one of the best two-way players to ever perform for Eureka. He also played both ways for the Bulldogs as an offensive tackle and defensive end. Athletic Director Ken Gardner stated that Rich Rhodes has been the best offensive tackle he has seen play at the university. Describing him as a tremendous pass protector who always wanted to learn as much as possible about blocking technique. Rich Rhodes was named to the 1965 Associated Press All-America First Team and twice he was named to the All-MIAA First Team, once as a defensive end and offensive tackle in the same season. In 1965 he served as a Bulldog co-captain. After a tryout with the New York Giants of the NFL, he played briefly with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian League. He then went into the army. He served in Vietnam, where he died in 1968 from wounds he received in combat about a month before he was to return to the states.