Tough SOB... had classes with him.
Mike 'The Baabarian' played 149 games in 11 seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs
After retiring from the NFL, Mike competed in the Scottish Highland Games, winning the Masters World Championship in the 45-49 age class in 2005
Two years ago, I went down a "rabbit hole" and found some interesting stuff on Mike Baab... he's considered one of the best centers for the Cleveland Browns. In 2008, Baab was inducted into the Football Hall of Honor at the University of Texas.
The Life And Career Of Mike Baab (Complete Story)
By Jimmy Swartz February 18, 2022
https://www.brownsnation.com/mike-baab/
Baab also attracted attention for something off the field in 1986. He starred in a 17min short film (produced by his wife) called "Masters of the Gridiron” . The film, which raised money for the United Way and featured various other Browns players, was based on “Conan the Barbarian” movie. 😋
Baab stated:
When we meet each other now, [our lines and character names] are the first thing we say to each other. When I see [Cleveland linebacker] Clay Matthews now, I call him Clayrock. They all call me Baabarian. It’s just what we do. All the names came from this silly video.”
The film remains a good memory for Baab and other players who appeared in the film.
Even before the film, Baab was a popular player, as a small subsection of fans in Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium called themselves “Baab’s Barbarians” and dressed in medieval costumes and carried (fake) swords.