Ohio Inspiration
Bringing Patros to Life
What an adventures it’s been to work with these student athletes to expand the Patros plalform.
It’s not every day you find yourself inspired by college student athletes. I mean, let’s face it—these young men are living a life most of us can’t imagine. They’re playing football at the highest collegiate level, they’re adored by fans, and for many of them, the NFL is just around the corner. And yet, despite all the fame, the hype, and the potential for wealth, I’ve been blown away by a group of Ohio State players who recently participated in our Counter Kingdom Project through Man Up and Go. I may be a Florida man now, but my heart will always be with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and not just because they’re the 2024 National Champs! These guys really love Jesus!
We had about 12 to 14 current and former players join us for a retreat, where we dug into what it means to live a life counter to the world, to live in the Counter Kingdom Jesus presents in His famous Sermon on the Mount. I’ll admit, I expected to hear a lot about football, but what I encountered was something entirely different. These young men were serious about their faith, vulnerable in their struggles, and humble in a way that’s rare for people in their position. Despite being exposed to the pressures of fame and performance, they spoke openly about how they refuse to let those things define them.
One of the most powerful takeaways for me was seeing how they’ve wrestled with the idea of identity. As athletes, their worth is so often tied to performance. Yet, they’ve come to understand that their true identity is in Christ. Some of them have faced injuries that momentarily took the game away from them, while others have seen the fragility of it all up close. Through it, they’ve learned to anchor themselves in something eternal, rather than the fleeting applause of the crowd.
Even after a heartbreaking one-point loss to Oregon, their perspective was steadfast. They acknowledged the sting of defeat but remained unwavering in their commitment to Jesus, to humility, and to work hard for their dreams. It was inspiring to witness such maturity and quality of character in men so young.
Beyond football, I’m encouraged by the spiritual awakening I see on college campuses. I saw it first-hand at the Ohio State football team revival back in August, as guys like TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, and Kam Babb baptized hundreds of students who put their faith in Jesus. There’s a hunger for meaning among young people, a rejection of materialism, and a pursuit of something greater. It’s a reminder that God is still moving, even in the unlikeliest of places. To witness this is not only inspiring but also a challenge to all of us: Where is our identity rooted? And how can we point the next generation to the hope we’ve found?
Thanks for reading,
Jeffrey Charles Ford