Bob Atha, an American football player who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, died on March 31, 2026, at age 65.
Atha, born in Marietta, Ohio, played college football as a placekicker, punter and quarterback. From 1978 to 1980, he served as a backup to quarterback Art Schlichter and placekicker Vlade Janakievski.
In 1981, he became the Buckeyes’ starting placekicker and remained a backup quarterback behind Mike Tomczak. That season, Atha led Ohio State in scoring with 88 points, and on Oct. 24, 1981, he made five field goals in a game at Ohio Stadium to set a school and stadium record that has since been tied.
Robert Atha (September 22, 1960 – March 31, 2026) was an American football placekicker, punter and quarterback who played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.