Buckeye QBs in the NFL: From Horseshoe to the Big Leagues...with Mixed Results
Ohio State. The Horseshoe. A powerhouse of college football, churning out champions and Heisman hopefuls like a well-oiled (and scarlet-and-gray-painted) machine. But what about when these quarterbacks take their talents from the Shoe to the Sunday stage? Let's just say, the results haven't always been as smooth as Dwayne Haskins' arm in his record-breaking season (though that didn't last… but that's a story for another time).
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What Nfl Quarterbacks Came From Ohio State |
Early Birds Don't Always Get the Worm:
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We've got to start at the beginning, and for Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL, that beginning can be a bit...well, forgettable. Names like Don Scott (drafted in 1941, never played due to a tragic accident) and Art Schlichter (known more for his gambling woes than his touchdown passes) might not exactly inspire confidence.
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Shines of Hope (and a National Championship or Two):
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Fear not, Buckeye fans! There have been beacons of hope. The cool and collected Craig Krenzel led Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, even if his NFL career never quite took flight. Troy Smith, the electric dual-threat quarterback, brought home the Heisman in 2006 but struggled to find consistency in the pros. Cardale Jones? Dude went from backup to national champion in 2014, but his NFL career was about as brief as his starting stint at Ohio State.
The New Era: Fields of Dreams (and Maybe Stroud)?
Fast forward to the present, and things might be looking up. Justin Fields, the phenom with a cannon for an arm, is showing promise with the Chicago Bears. His college teammate, C.J. Stroud, is waiting in the wings, ready to potentially continue the trend. Will they be the ones to finally break the curse and become elite NFL quarterbacks? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Buckeye Nation will be watching with bated breath (and maybe a little scarlet-and-gray face paint).
How-To FAQs for the Aspiring Buckeye Quarterback:
- How to throw a perfect spiral? Practice, practice, practice! And maybe invest in a JUGS machine (unless you have a friend with an iron arm).
- How to avoid the 'NFL Bust' label? Stay focused, work hard, and maybe avoid any extracurricular activities that involve placing large wagers on sporting events (see Art Schlichter).
- How to win over the Ohio State faithful? Lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. It's pretty much the only way.
- How to prepare for the NFL Draft? Hire a good agent, bulk up in the weight room, and maybe brush up on your interview skills (looking at you, Dwayne).
- How to deal with the pressure of playing quarterback for the Buckeyes? Develop a thick skin, learn to silence the doubters, and remember, it's just a game (mostly).
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