Indiana State, with the support of the N.C.A.A. as well as nearby universities like Indiana, Purdue and Ball State, appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court.

Rensing’s friends were surprised he had taken on such a battle. “We were young and out of a small town,” said Tim Thomas, his high school teammate and best friend. “You think, ‘Man, that’s pretty bold.’ But it was just something they felt they needed to do.”

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled in 1983 that Rensing “was not considered to be a professional athlete who was being paid for his athletic ability.” The decision noted that the benefits Rensing received from Indiana State were governed by “strict” N.C.A.A. rules “designed to protect his amateur status.” The decision was later cited in other cases challenging the N.C.A.A.

Rensing struggled to find work. He eventually found a low-wage job with a cellphone and paging company that allowed him to work from home, but he spent years unemployed.

He continued to go to the weight lifting club, even if he could not do much there. He managed an adult softball team and coached youth football. And he counseled his adopted son, Gabe, who played college football before his playing career was cut short by concussions.

Rensing even maintained his love for Indiana State, often returning to watch games from his wheelchair. When he died in 2004, he was buried in his Indiana State jersey.