Ohio State legend blasted as overrated after massive NFL deal; critics say performance doesn’t justify elite paycheck or long-term faith.

When a former Ohio State legend signs a blockbuster NFL contract, headlines are expected, cheers are common, and expectations rise like smoke from a lit fuse. But what happens when those cheers turn to jeers, and the applause is drowned out by doubt? That’s the storm brewing around one former Buckeye star, now being labeled “overrated” after inking a contract worth tens of millions.

The backlash has been swift and biting. Critics, analysts, and even some fans are raising the question: has this player really earned that kind of money, or is he cashing in more on hype than hard-earned NFL results?

A Star at Ohio State

Let’s rewind to where it all began. At Ohio State, this athlete was a titan. Week after week, he dazzled fans, shattered records, and helped lead the Buckeyes to dominant seasons. The stats were impressive, but it was the way he played — the poise, the flair, the leadership — that made him a household name.

He was the heart of the offense, the soul of the locker room, and the player every kid dreamed of becoming. When he declared for the draft, it wasn’t a matter of if he’d be picked high, but how high. The hype was real. The ceiling was sky-high.

But college football isn’t the NFL — and that’s where things started to change.

The NFL: A Different Beast

Transitioning to the pros is never guaranteed to be smooth. Defensive schemes are faster, smarter, and more complex. The game is more physical, and mistakes are punished severely. In this crucible, legends are either forged or exposed.

For this Buckeye, the early NFL career has been a mixed bag. Yes, there were flashes of greatness — a few brilliant games, clutch throws, moments of magic reminiscent of his college days. But those moments were sprinkled between stretches of inconsistency, questionable decisions, and even injuries that kept him sidelined during critical stretches.

By the numbers, his production has been serviceable — not disastrous by any means — but certainly not elite. And yet, this offseason, his team placed their full faith in him, handing him a massive contract loaded with guaranteed money.

The Big Contract and the Bigger Backlash

The deal? Eye-watering. Multi-year. North of $100 million. Guaranteed money that would make a Pro Bowl veteran blush. To some, it was a symbol of trust — a team doubling down on a player they believe still has untapped potential.

But to others, it was highway robbery.

The criticisms came pouring in.

“Overrated.”

“Hasn’t proven anything.”

“He’s being paid like a top-tier player, but his performance screams mid-tier.”

These weren’t whispers. They were headlines, social media rants, and scorching hot takes on sports shows. Analysts broke down film highlighting every misread, every missed opportunity. Former players questioned his work ethic. Even fans who once chanted his name in Columbus began to ask tough questions.

The Metrics Don’t Lie

To understand the backlash, you need to look at the numbers. Over his first few seasons in the league, he ranks in the middle of the pack in passer rating, completion percentage, and yards per attempt. He’s thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in key primetime games. He has yet to lead his team to a winning season, let alone the playoffs.

Meanwhile, his contemporaries — players drafted after him — have taken their teams deeper into the postseason or posted far superior stats.

So the question looms: why pay him like an elite QB?

Front Office Faith vs Fan Frustration

One explanation lies in the front office’s belief in his ceiling. They may see what he could become, not just what he’s been. He has all the tools: a strong arm, mobility, leadership intangibles, and that “it” factor he showed in college.

There’s also the context: a weak free agent market, no clear draft replacement, and a desire for continuity at the game’s most important position.

But fans don’t always buy into potential. They buy into production.

And right now, many feel the money isn’t matching the output.

The Psychology of Being “Overrated”

Being labeled “overrated” might be one of the harshest criticisms in sports. It implies you’re benefiting from a perception you haven’t earned — that your hype outpaces your value. For an athlete, especially one once adored for his heroics, that label stings.

Some athletes take it personally and spiral. Others use it as fuel. How this player responds could define the rest of his career.

Pressure Cooker Ahead

The pressure now is unimaginable. Every throw will be judged. Every loss blamed. Every win will be scrutinized for whether he truly “won it” or was simply along for the ride. He won’t be able to fly under the radar anymore — not with that contract.

The media won’t let him forget it. Fans won’t stop talking. Even in the locker room, there may be quiet whispers — players wondering if their franchise tied itself to the wrong guy.

Can He Flip the Narrative?

Despite all the negativity, the story isn’t finished. Some quarterbacks take years to fully develop. Look at names like Geno Smith or Jared Goff — both written off early, both revitalizing their careers with patience and the right coaching.

If our Ohio State legend can use this moment as a reset, block out the noise, and elevate his play, he can still rewrite the script. He doesn’t need to be perfect — just consistently good, a steady leader who makes the big plays in big moments.

He still has the talent. He still has the respect of many in the league. What he needs now is a run of healthy, winning football.

The Buckeye Legacy in the NFL

Ohio State fans have always ridden hard for their stars. Whether it’s receivers, linemen, corners, or quarterbacks — Buckeyes in the league are expected to carry the flag high. When they don’t, the disappointment cuts deep.

But that passion also means something else: if this player starts winning, starts balling out, Buckeye Nation will be the first to flood the timeline with love. The same voices criticizing him now will flip the switch in a heartbeat.

Final Thoughts: Not the End, Just the Heat of the Fire

The scathing take that this former Ohio State legend is “overrated” may not be totally unfounded — the production hasn’t matched the paycheck yet. But we’ve seen this story before. A young QB under fire, doubted by the masses, rising from the flames to prove everyone wrong.

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