Tag: Buckeyes in the NFL

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud wins Good Guy Award

Well deserved! #GoBucks

We’re all familiar with what former Ohio State and current Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud can do on a football field, and a lot of Buckeye fans are also keenly aware of the type of person he is off of it.

But it now seems the rest of the world is getting in on the secret of what type of person Stroud is. He’s embedded himself into the Houston community with several philanthropic moments. The way he conducts himself on and off the field is humbling and unassuming, even being named a captain of the team as a rookie. He is especially accommodating and forthcoming in media appearances.

And now, for those efforts, Stroud was named the winner of the Pro Football Writers Good Guy Award for 2023, given to the NFL player that best helps writers do their jobs.

Stroud won among several other finalists. Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns), Dion Dawkins (Buffalo Bills), Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles) and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) were all in the running at the end.

“Stroud is the Good Guy Award winner because of his professionalism and openness with both the national and local media. He is always available during the week and after games, win or lose. He understands the media has a job to do and answers each question thoroughly,” PFWA Houston chapter co-vice president Jonathan Alexander said in a release. “He is also active in the Houston community without seeking attention, recently volunteering to remove trees and clean up debris from yards in underserved communities after a storm left many residents without power for several days.”

We had a good feel for what Stroud was as a person following him for three years in Columbus, and boy has he turned out to be a great ambassador for the Ohio State football program.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

LOOK: Marvin Harrison Jr. at Cardinals rookie camp

Check out Marv at Cardinals rookie camp. #GoBucks

Because of all the decisions to return for draft-eligible Ohio State football players, there weren’t too many Buckeyes that hear their names called at the 2024 NFL draft.

However, one of those names included the top receiver taken and one of the most coveted drafts of the entire draft, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He was taken No. 4 by the Arizona Cardinals and has actually already inked his rookie contract.

Harrison has been seen taking part in rookie training camp in his new uniform and we thought you’d like to see the former Biletnikoff winner going through some of the paces out in the desert.

Here are some of the best photos of Harrison at Cardinals rookie training camp for your viewing and scrolling pleasure.

Former Ohio State receiver signs with Rams

Former Ohio State receiver signs with Rams #GoBucks

Now that the madness of the NFL draft has ended, former Ohio State players who weren’t chosen are seeking opportunities to continue their football careers. One former walk-on, Sam Wiglusz, may have found his new home with the Los Angeles Rams.

Most fans will remember Wiglusz due to the success he had as an Ohio Bobcat. Before landing in Athens, he was a Buckeye for four seasons. After receiving a redshirt in 2018, he played in four games the next two years combined. In 2021, he received snaps in six games, but never cracked the two-deep.

He then transferred to Ohio and was named first-team All-MAC both seasons. Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye and we are wishing good luck to Wiglusz in the NFL.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

Former Ohio State special teamer receives camp invite from Steelers

Another former Ohio State Buckeye is looking to continue his football career. #GoBucks

The NFL draft is over and we have shifted our focus to the undrafted guys looking to continue their football careers. If you have taken a snap at Ohio State, chances are an NFL team will at least kick the tires at a rookie minicamp and that maybe the situation with Bradley Robinson.

The former long snapper and Michigan native may be best remembered for his epic X (formerly Twitter) post announcing his return for a seventh year and quoting the movie “Tommy Boy.”

After transferring from Michigan State, Robinson was a quality long snapper for the Buckeyes from 2017 through 2023, and he has received an opportunity to extend that career with the Pittsburgh Steelers during their rooking minicamp.

We’ll keep an eye on how this all plays out in the Steel City and other former Ohio State players trying to find their way in the NFL.

Former Ohio State cornerback signs with Houston Texans

Former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah has signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans in free agency.

The NFL free agency frenzy kicked off on Monday which saw a former Buckeye fan favorite land a contract with a new team.

That is Jeff Okudah who signed a one-year, $4.75 million deal with the Houston Texans that is worth up to $6 million with a snap count incentive.  It is a new start for Okudah who returns to Texas where he grew up.

Okudah arrived at Ohio State with a lot of expectations as a five-star recruit. He lived up to those lofty expectations as Okudah was a lockdown corner in his time in Columbus and one of the leaders of an outstanding defense in his junior season in 2019.

Following a stellar career at Ohio State, Okudah was drafted with the third overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Detroit Lions. Okudah unfortunately dealt with injuries at the start of career as he suffered season-ending injuries in his first two seasons.

After three seasons in Detroit, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons where he appeared in 13 games with nine starts this season.

Okudah’s new start in Houston is intriguing in particular due to DeMeco Ryans who led a quick turnaround in just his first season as head coach of the Texans and is considered one of the best defensive minds in football. Perhaps, the former Buckeye star can fulfill his potential in Houston under Ryans’ tutelage.

Former Ohio State offensive lineman lands big NFL contract

Former Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson signs a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in NFL free agency.

The NFL free agency tampering window kicked on Monday as deals are being announced left and right. One player who came into free agency as one of the best interior offensive lineman available is now off the board.

That is former Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson who is signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

Jackson began his Rutgers where he spent four seasons before transferring to Ohio State for the 2019 season. He was phenomenal for the Buckeyes as he helped pave way to one of the best rushing attacks in college football as well provide good pass protection for Justin Fields.

He was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.  Jackson immediately carved out a starting role at left guard and has been a very solid player for a highly regarded Lions offensive line for four years since being drafted.

Jackson now lands a much deserved payday and begins a new journey in the NFL after signing with the Los Angeles Rams.

2024 NFL Draft: Five potential landing spots for Marvin Harrison Jr.

Where do you see Harrison Jr. going?

With both the college football and NFL seasons in the rear-view mirror, all eyes move to the offseason and the NFL draft in April.

There’s always a lot of debates on different prospects among the media and fans this time of the year, however one player most analysts can agree on as an exceptional prospect is Ohio State wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison was one of the best players in college football over the last two seasons.  His combination of explosiveness, change of direction and speed at his size is rare. That, combined with his elite technical ability as a route runner and ability to make catches through contact, make it hard to see him lasting past the first four or five selections on draft night.

Buckeye fans will be ecstatic to watch what the star wide receiver can do at the next level. Here are five teams with the best chance of landing him.

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud wins Pepsi Rookie of the Year award

Former Ohio State star quarterback C.J. Stroud won the Pepsi fan-voted rookie of the year award on Thursday.

One of the biggest stories in the NFL this season was the play of the rookie class.  With Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud each putting together historic rookie seasons they both have cases to take home the rookie of the year award.

The winner of the AP offensive rookie of the year award will be crowned on Thursday night, but the fans have spoken on who they believe should take home the award. Pepsi’s fan-voted rookie of the year was announced on Thursday morning with the winner being former Buckeye quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud had one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in the history of the NFL.  After throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in the regular season he led the Houston Texans to an AFC South title.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Evan Bachman on X.

Watch: C.J. Stroud makes highlight reel throw in Pro Bowl

Stroud can get it done in all formats of football. #GoBucks

Three former Buckeyes were named to the Pro Bowl this season as San Francisco 49ers edge rusher, Nick Bosa, Cleveland Browns cornerback, Denzel Ward, and Houston Texans quarterback, C.J. Stroud, were all named to Pro Bowl rosters.

Stroud received the Pro Bowl nod after a sensational rookie season where he threw for 4,105 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season, leading the Texans to an AFC South title and wild card win just one season after finishing with three wins.

The Pro Bowl games don’t have the same intensity as they used to, however it is still a fun event for fans and gives the stars of the game a chance to compete and show off their talents. Stroud is doing exactly that with this phenomenal touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Evan Bachman on X.

Nick Bosa tallies two sacks in 49ers win in NFC Championship game

Watch Nick Bosa’s two sacks in the NFC Championship game. #GoBucks

Your best players have to come to play in the biggest of moments, and former Ohio State and current San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa showed up on Sunday night against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game.

While his team was struggling to move the ball on offense, falling behind by 17 points after a half of football, Bosa was doing his best to keep his team in it on the defensive end but coming up with two sacks in the first half against Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

In his first sack, Bosa got around the edge virtually unblocked and threw Goff to the ground like a WWE scripted move with his team down 14-7.

Bosa’s second sack game near the end of the first half with the 49ers in a deeper hole, down 21-7. This time the edge rusher bullied his way up the middle, wiggled free and then came into the backfield with a head of steam.

Bosa and the 49ers would eventually rally in the second half and come all the way back to win the NFC Championship and head into the Super Bowl in a couple of weeks. He and teammate Chase Young will be the only two OSU players to play in the annual spectacle in a couple of weeks.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.