After my
earlier post, I figured someone was bound to discover it. So I thought I’d better go find it first.
The highlights are on YouTube. Damned Internet! ESPN Classic no less. I forgot how bad it actually was. Fortunately the footage is old and grainy. Was it that long ago?
I still did not play very much as a Sophomore. On one of the videos you can catch a quick glimpse of me towards the end getting taken out of a play (Jesus…
), and on special teams. They scored on 4th and 1 to win. God, how fucking embarrassing.
Too bad they didn’t burn this video.
Ohio State would go on to win the National Championship that year. Their #71 weighed 325 lbs.
Interesting looking back 17 years later. I have never seen this footage before. Of course I had an entirely different perspective down on the field. To this day I have no regrets. Overall, playing college ball was mostly fun (other than the injuries) and it could have been worse. We know a lot more about concussions now. I was lucky although my wife who is a nurse thinks I show signs of CTE. Returning to finish my degree, I ended up getting a doctorate. I’ve had a very successful career and I credit football with teaching leadership, developing confidence, facing adversity, and instilling good work habits. I made many friendships and business connections as well. And my dedication to fitness has paid off as I progress into my 30’s. I sure as hell don’t feel old. Other than the occasional aches and pains getting out of bed sometimes.
(That's why I find the "Beat Ohio State" sign over the door so funny. I actually don't even remember it. Wasn't paying attention. Your mind is elsewhere. That sign is so "matter of fact" it might as well say "watch your step". I would rather see something like "Tonight we dine in hell." or "There is no tomorrow for you and that makes you very dangerous.")