Ohio State sophomore safety Brendon White has played a major role in the Buckeyes’ defensive resurgence since the loss at Purdue.
White was pressed into duty after strong safety Jordan Fuller was ejected during the Nebraska game for targeting.
His impact was immediate and obvious. White had a team-high 13 tackles in a little more than half a game. More importantly, he provided OSU with good angles and sure tackling that had been missing most of the year.
Saturday at Michigan State, he earned his first career start and played well with five more tackles and a pass breakup.
After the 26-6 Ohio State win, White was handed the game ball to present to his father.
William White played for the Buckeyes himself from 1984-1987, serving as a team captain during his senior year.
In 2016 he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a neuromuscular condition with no cure.
William White has become a tireless advocate for ALS research, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the cause.
Friday, before the Buckeyes made the trip to East Lansing, William White spoke to the team.
“While you’re on earth, you work hard,” he told them.
“Y’all gotta understand that y’all are here together. Y’all are not just a team, this is a family. A family ain’t just for four years or three years. Family is for life. The Buckeye Family for life,” William White said.
Now, more than 30 years after William White played his last game as an Ohio State safety, his son is carrying on his legacy on the football field.
After the win over Michigan State, Meyer called an audible in the locker room.
“I haven’t talked to our captains about this, but I know you would approve of me doing this,” he told the team. “On behalf of the Ohio State football team, the coaching staff, and Buckeye Nation, I’d like to present this ball to William White.”
It was a touching moment for Brendon White as he went up to accept the ball on his father’s behalf.
“Everyone went crazy. They yelled and cheered,” he told the media a few minutes later. “Not only do I have support for my family and my father’s disease, but having it come from Buckeye Nation, it’s very cool and that’s why this place is so special.”
During his postgame interview, Meyer said it was emotional for him as well.
“It was really kind of cool to see Brendon come up there and take it on behalf on his father,” Meyer said. “I’ve known William since 1986. He’s a dear friend. One of the smartest guys I’ve ever met, one of the greatest football players I’ve ever met. So I know Buckeye Nation would approve of that.”
Below, you can watch a video of the game ball presentation, as well as part of William White’s speech to the team on Friday.
"This is a family. Family is for life."
After yesterday's game, @OSUCoachMeyer presented the game ball to William White, and today @therealestbw0 presented it to his dad.
➡️ To donate to help the fight to end ALS, visit https://t.co/1ACR5ub8NR or text "Kick ALS" to 41444. pic.twitter.com/7cEQI7y1q0
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 11, 2018
This is the good stuff, very uplifting and well deserved.
William was a pleasure to watch play. He’s a good man whose been a good father and member of society. It was an awesome decision by Urban to recognize him with the game ball.