CANTON, Ohio – Perhaps no state is more synonymous with football history than Ohio. And no team is more connected to its state than the Ohio State Buckeyes. Those two forces came together on Thursday as head coach Ryan Day took his Buckeyes two hours north to Canton, Ohio for a business trip. The goal was two-fold: one part was the continued preparation for the Sept. 2 opener at Minnesota while the other was to offer a bonding and educational experience at a place that is a cathedral to the history of professional football – the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Buckeyes made the trip to Canton early Thursday morning, arriving at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium around 11:30 a.m. From there, the Buckeyes went through their 14th practice of preseason camp exactly two weeks out from their season opener at Minnesota.
After wrapping up the practice at 1:45, the players and staff ate lunch and were greeted by C. David Baker, the president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans may also recognize him as the person who informs the newest Hall of Fame members of their forthcoming induction each year.
“This game is about the opportunity to be a better person, a better man, a better husband and father,” said Baker. “This game teaches us so many lessons.”
From there, the Buckeyes had a chance to soak in some history. The traveling party broke up into small groups and toured the Hall of Fame. They learned about the game’s origins, the great players and coaches who have shaped the sport and how it’s impacted their lives.
“This was a great opportunity for our team to bond,” said head coach Ryan Day. “For our players and staff to have the chance to learn more about the game of football at a place that’s right here in our own state is just an awesome thing.”
11 Former Buckeyes in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Thursday’s history lesson in Canton wouldn’t have been complete without recognizing the 11 former Buckeyes who are currently enshrined in the Hall. The group’s Ohio State playing careers span nearly every decade since 1930. It includes people that have had an impact on shaping the way the game is coached, played and even consumed on television.
Every discussion of the greatest coaches of all time includes Paul Brown (1941-43) and Sid Gilman (1938-40). There are eight Buckeye players who have entered the Hall: Cris Carter (1984-86), Lou Groza (1943), Dante Lavelli (1942), Dick LaBeau (1956-58), Orlando Pace (1994-96), Jim Parker (1954-56), Paul Warfield (1961-63) and Bill Willis (1942-44). Filmmaker Ed Sabol, who attend Ohio State from 1935-37 and was a swimmer, founded NFL Films, which revolutionized the way professional football was seen on TV.
More Than a History Lesson
Thursday’s trip came as the Buckeyes are preparing to finish their third week of preseason camp. It was a change of pace and chance to bond as the season-opener is fast approaching. And perhaps, too, a reminder that at Ohio State, football greatness isn’t all that far away.
The Buckeyes made the trip to Canton early Thursday morning, arriving at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium around 11:30 a.m. From there, the Buckeyes went through their 14th practice of preseason camp exactly two weeks out from their season opener at Minnesota.
After wrapping up the practice at 1:45, the players and staff ate lunch and were greeted by C. David Baker, the president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans may also recognize him as the person who informs the newest Hall of Fame members of their forthcoming induction each year.
“This game is about the opportunity to be a better person, a better man, a better husband and father,” said Baker. “This game teaches us so many lessons.”
From there, the Buckeyes had a chance to soak in some history. The traveling party broke up into small groups and toured the Hall of Fame. They learned about the game’s origins, the great players and coaches who have shaped the sport and how it’s impacted their lives.
“This was a great opportunity for our team to bond,” said head coach Ryan Day. “For our players and staff to have the chance to learn more about the game of football at a place that’s right here in our own state is just an awesome thing.”
11 Former Buckeyes in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Thursday’s history lesson in Canton wouldn’t have been complete without recognizing the 11 former Buckeyes who are currently enshrined in the Hall. The group’s Ohio State playing careers span nearly every decade since 1930. It includes people that have had an impact on shaping the way the game is coached, played and even consumed on television.
Every discussion of the greatest coaches of all time includes Paul Brown (1941-43) and Sid Gilman (1938-40). There are eight Buckeye players who have entered the Hall: Cris Carter (1984-86), Lou Groza (1943), Dante Lavelli (1942), Dick LaBeau (1956-58), Orlando Pace (1994-96), Jim Parker (1954-56), Paul Warfield (1961-63) and Bill Willis (1942-44). Filmmaker Ed Sabol, who attend Ohio State from 1935-37 and was a swimmer, founded NFL Films, which revolutionized the way professional football was seen on TV.
More Than a History Lesson
Thursday’s trip came as the Buckeyes are preparing to finish their third week of preseason camp. It was a change of pace and chance to bond as the season-opener is fast approaching. And perhaps, too, a reminder that at Ohio State, football greatness isn’t all that far away.
