You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State heroes. Whether they are the biggest names in Buckeye athletic history, or underappreciated icons; perhaps even players who made major impacts off the field. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Buckeye Heroes” articles here.
Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33, or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
As we wrap up our Buckeye Heroes Week here at LGHL, we are looking back at the fan survey that we did in which we asked Ohio State fans to help us determine who the hero was for OSU’s national championship run, and who stands alongside Jesse Owens as the ultimate Buckeye Hero.
We put the survey into the field earlier this week, and now we’ve got the results. Take a look at what your fellow fans thought and share your reactions in the comments below.
Question 1: Who do you think was the hero of the Buckeyes’ national championship run?
I love that this was so close, because when I was putting this question together, I truthfully didn’t know which way I would go between Will Howard and Jack Sawyer. The quarterback was masterful in raising the level of offensive execution throughout the playoff run, while the defensive lineman played the best four-game stretch of his career, and perhaps in Ohio State history from an edge rusher.
It seems almost predetermined that these two, who are linked for so many reasons, will now be starting their NFL careers together as Pittsburgh Steelers. I personally will never forget the performances that these two turned in during the College Football Playoff, and while I don’t particularly care one way or the other about the Steelers, I hope that they build off of the success they had in the postseason and it leads to long and productive pro careers.
Question 2: Other than Jesse Owens, who is the ultimate Buckeye hero?
This probably shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Other than Jesse Owens, whose accomplishments transcended not only Ohio State, but sports altogether, there is no one more synonymous with Buckeye athletics than college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
In fact, I think you could easily argue that because Jesse Owens’ accomplishments transcended Ohio State and sports altogether, that he exists on such an elevated plane that while we obviously claim him as one of our own, outside of Buckey Nation, people forget about his roots.
The same cannot be said for Archie Griffin. Archie is Mr. Buckeye. For decades, he has represented the football program, athletic department, and university with dignity, class, and character. While there is no doubt that everything that Archie did as a member of the football team is amongst the most impressive accomplishments in the history of the sport, I firmly believe that what truly makes him a Buckeye hero is what he did after his on-field career was over.
From working in the athletic department to leading the alumni association to being the program and school’s central goodwill ambassador, Archie Griffin is the best of what Ohio State has to offer, and he is more than deserving of all of the flowers and accolades that have rightly ben given to him.
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.