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tBBC Braxton Miller, Thanks for Being One of Us

Joe Dexter

Guest
Braxton Miller, Thanks for Being One of Us
Joe Dexter
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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There’s a reason that Braxton Miller could go down as the most cherished Buckeye since Archie Griffin.

The former quarterback turned wide receiver has done amazing things on the field. He’s transcended the Ohio State record books by being one of the most dynamic players to ever grace the college football gridiron.

He took our breath away with moments that left us speechless.

As a freshman, he led the Buckeyes back to the path of tradition and excellence. He reminded us in the times of disdain, that there always will be an x-factor strong enough to beat anyone on any given Saturday.


Braxton Miller ushered in the Urban Meyer era with an undefeated record and a flare for the dramatic. He reminded us that only one player can dance with the Nittany Lions. In 2013, he continued his ascent among Buckeye greats — torching opposing defenses with his cannon of an arm and staggering vision. He mesmerized the college football universe with his running ability at the quarterback position.

In 2014, he overcame adversity through his commitment to his team — while they accomplished his lifelong dream of winning a national championship. He watched and soaked it in as Cardale Jones led Ohio State to the promised land. Despite missing the whole season, he was as much a part of winning as any other player.

This season, he redefined what it means to be a Buckeye through the same commitment to his team. At wide receiver, we watched the most exciting player in Ohio State history be humbled, as he learned a new position that never crossed his path as he dreamed of his Ohio State legacy.

He turned being humbled into growth. Growth into plays. Plays into the same razzle-dazzle that electrified a fan base every time he took to the field.

All of these moments are special in their own right, but it’s not what has made Braxton Miller the most beloved player of an era full of success and championships.

It’s the fact that he’s one of us.

Today, Miller shared those feelings with Buckeye Nation through his own words, in a published article at The Players’ Tribune.


Some moments, of course, take longer to make than others. That play against Virginia Tech happened in five seconds — but it took me five years to get there.

Actually, it took me 23 years.

Long before I ever played a down at Ohio State, I was a Buckeye fan.

I was raised only 40 minutes from The Horseshoe, so the school had a constant presence in my life. There were so many amazing players that had come through — Archie Griffin, Eddie George, Jack Tatum. These were guys I viewed almost as superheroes.

I was only 10 years old when we faced off against the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl for the national championship. It’s all still pretty vivid in my mind. That Miami team was basically an NFL squad — they were stacked at every single position. How were we supposed to beat these guys? I was so nervous, man. I was pacing back and forth in my room … then running to my parents’ room … then back to my room. The entire game, I was like that. I couldn’t sit still.

By the time we finally won in double overtime and held up that crystal football — yeah, it was “we” even then — I must have jogged 10 miles around my house.

After that game, it was all over. My fanhood went to another level … and there was no turning back. My biggest goal in life became simple: to get accepted to The Ohio State University, to put on that scarlet and gray uniform, and to one day play football for the — my — Buckeyes.

Can you imagine anything better?

When the big day finally came, I signed my national letter of intent with no hesitation. I’d dreamt it, and then I’d done it. It almost felt like destiny.

To be honest with you Braxton, no. We couldn’t imagine any imprint larger than what you had at the University we all love. We had no idea that the skinny kid, who ran for his life as a freshman, while giving us fans something to dream about, would lift the program we cherish to a brand new height.

We had no idea that saying goodbye would be this hard.


My time in Columbus has meant the world to me, and has shaped me into the man I am today. I’ve felt such tremendous highs, and I’ve experienced such trying lows. But now that I’ve gone through it all, I feel ready for whatever awaits me on the other side. I don’t fear adversity. I don’t fear the spotlight. I don’t fear success. And I don’t fear failure. I’m stepping toward this new chapter of my life with a confidence that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for the experience that Ohio State has given me. And for that I will be forever grateful.


Now that I’ve gone through it all, I feel ready for whatever awaits me on the other side.


I was overcome with emotion as I suited up in the scarlet and gray for the final time prior to the Fiesta Bowl last week. When I ran onto the field and looked up into the stands, I was greeted by our beloved Buckeye Nation, who had traveled across the entire country — and would probably travel to the moon — to support us.

In that moment, I had so many things going through my mind, and I was so thankful for each of them. I thought about how blessed I am for having been given the opportunity to play for this great university and its amazing fan base. I thought about the coaches and trainers who had spent countless hours making me better. I thought about my teammates, my brothers, who I’d accomplished so much with. And I thought about my son, Landon — who’s going to make a great Buckeye one day.

I came here as a young freshman making plays. And yes, looking back, screwing up plays. But through it all, you fans were there for me, giving me support. Man, I loved your cheers. And while I was stuck at home, doing those mundane rehab exercises … I’d always think about how good it would feel, someday, to make The Horseshoe roar again.

It surpassed my expectations.

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every Buckeye fan who took the time to watch me play the game that I love. I lived for those moments that we all experienced together, and I’ll always feel a special connection to you.

And that’s because I’m one of you.

O-H!

I-O!

There have been a lot of greats that have left their stamp on Ohio State University. Many have placed their name in the record books as one of the best to every step foot on the field we all love. At Ohio State University, there will always be great players that do amazing things.

There will never again be a player, person, or teammate like Braxton Miller.

#5 on the field for quite some time. Always #1 in Buckeye Nation’s heart.

The post Braxton Miller, Thanks for Being One of Us appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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