A standout linebacker for the Cavaliers from 1972 to 1974, Ambrose was a three-time letterwinner, two-time First Team All-ACC selection, and team captain. In 1974, he became the first UVA linebacker to earn consecutive All-ACC honors before graduating with a degree in Education in 1975.

Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, he quickly built a reputation as one of the toughest defenders of his era. Nicknamed “Bam Bam” for his hard-hitting style, he led the team in tackles for five straight seasons, earned Defensive MVP in 1977, and the Captain’s Award in 1981. He anchored the defense of the 1980 “Kardiac Kids” and played nine seasons in Cleveland before being honored as part of the Browns Legends Program.

Even while playing, Ambrose prepared for life after football by starting law school during the 1982 NFL strike. He graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1987, later serving as an attorney before being appointed to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in 2004. For nearly two decades on the bench, Judge Ambrose built a reputation for fairness and sound judgement as he presided over high-profile cases and community justice programs.

From All-ACC Cavalier, to Cleveland Browns legend, to respected judge, Dick Ambrose has carried the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity into every chapter of his life.