A former defender for the Ohio State Buckeyes who played on the 2014 national championship squad passed away.

The world of college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes family is grieving the tragic loss of one of its own. A former standout defender, who was a key member of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2014 National Championship team, has passed away. The loss resonates deeply, not just within the Ohio State community, but across the broader world of college football, where players become more than just athletes—they become family.

This former Buckeye, whose name is synonymous with hard work, dedication, and resilience, was a vital part of the 2014 national championship squad. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragile nature of life, even for those who have accomplished so much on the football field.

The Legacy of the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes

To understand the significance of this loss, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary 2014 season that the Ohio State Buckeyes enjoyed. Under head coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes achieved the ultimate college football goal, winning the national championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in January 2015. This championship was Ohio State’s eighth in the school’s storied history and marked a defining moment in the program’s legacy.

The 2014 team was unique not only for its talent but also for the obstacles it overcame. With starting quarterback Braxton Miller out for the season due to injury, backup J.T. Barrett took over, only to suffer a season-ending injury himself. In stepped third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, who led the team to an unforgettable victory in the College Football Playoff, defeating Alabama and Oregon to claim the national title.

But it wasn’t just the offense that propelled the Buckeyes to victory. The defense was just as critical, with several key players stepping up in pivotal moments throughout the season. This was a team that featured some of the most dominant players in recent memory, including linebacker Darron Lee, defensive end Joey Bosa, and safety Vonn Bell. They embodied the toughness and relentlessness that Ohio State is known for.

Among the names of these standouts, the former defender who passed away will forever be remembered as a critical part of the team’s success. Though perhaps not as widely recognized as some of the team’s more famous stars, this player’s contributions were undeniable. His commitment to the team, his leadership in the locker room, and his on-field performance all made him an invaluable part of the 2014 squad.

A Key Contributor on Defense

This defender, whose name now echoes throughout the hearts of Buckeye fans, was more than just a player—he was a vital cog in one of the most impressive defensive units in college football during the 2014 season. Whether he was sacking the quarterback, breaking up a pass, or shutting down the run, he exemplified what it meant to be a Buckeye: fierce, relentless, and unwavering in pursuit of victory.

Throughout the 2014 season, Ohio State’s defense was known for its ferocity and versatility. The defensive line, anchored by future NFL stars like Joey Bosa, was a major strength, but it was the collective effort of the entire defense—front seven, secondary, and linebackers—that made this unit truly special. The player who passed away was part of that collective, and his role cannot be overstated.

Though his time on the field was marked by hard hits, leadership, and grit, his impact off the field was equally significant. Known for his work ethic and his commitment to his teammates, he was the embodiment of what college football programs like Ohio State seek in their players: dedication to the team, to the game, and to becoming better every day.

In a season full of high expectations, injuries, and adversity, this player remained focused and contributed to the team’s success. His consistency helped Ohio State to stifle opponents, forcing them into mistakes and creating turnovers. With the stakes high and the pressure immense, he was always there when the Buckeyes needed him most.

Tributes Pour In from Ohio State Community

The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the Ohio State community. Tributes began pouring in from former teammates, coaches, and fans who remembered him not only for his talent but for the man he was off the field. Urban Meyer, the coach who led the Buckeyes to the 2014 national championship, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Meyer, known for his fiery demeanor and tough love, often spoke about the importance of building relationships with his players, many of whom remain in contact long after they leave the program. The bond between Meyer and his players was always built on mutual respect, and this former defender was no exception.

Darron Lee, one of the stars of the 2014 defense, took to social media to honor his former teammate. “I’ll never forget the moments we shared on the field, the hard work we put in together, and the bond we formed as brothers,” Lee wrote. “He was a true warrior, and the Ohio State family will miss him deeply.”

Other players, including NFL stars like Joey Bosa and Vonn Bell, also expressed their grief. Bosa, who was a standout defensive end on that 2014 team, said that the loss of his teammate was difficult to put into words. “We went through so much together,” Bosa said. “The friendships we formed during that time are unbreakable. He was a true part of the heart and soul of that championship team, and his legacy will live on forever.”

The outpouring of support from Buckeye fans and the broader football community was a testament to the impact this player had on those around him. It wasn’t just his on-field accomplishments that left a mark, but the way he carried himself as a teammate, a friend, and a member of the Ohio State family.

The Impact Beyond Football

While football was undeniably a significant part of his life, the former defender’s legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. In the days following his passing, stories began to emerge from those who knew him best—family members, friends, and mentors—who spoke not only of his talent but of his character. He was a person who cared deeply about others, always willing to lend a hand or offer support to those in need.

It was this quality that endeared him to so many within the Ohio State community and beyond. Whether he was helping a teammate through a tough time or giving back to the community through charity work, he always understood that his platform as a college athlete could be used to make a positive impact on the world around him. Many of his former teammates recalled his infectious personality and his ability to lift the spirits of those around him, particularly in moments of adversity.

In the aftermath of his passing, the Ohio State football program has made efforts to honor his memory. Plans are already underway for a memorial in his honor, and his family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support they’ve received from the Buckeye Nation. His name will forever be etched into the fabric of Ohio State football, not just as a player but as a beloved member of a championship team that brought glory to the university.

A Champion On and Off the Field

The former defender’s passing is a reminder of the transient nature of life, but it also serves as a tribute to the strength and resilience of those who dedicate themselves to something greater than themselves. The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes were a team defined by overcoming adversity and pushing through the toughest challenges, and this player embodied that same spirit in everything he did. He was a champion on the field, and his legacy as a man of character and integrity will ensure that he remains a champion in the hearts of those who knew him.

In the days, weeks, and months ahead, Ohio State fans will continue to remember the contributions of this defender, not only to the 2014 national championship but to the very essence of what it means to be a Buckeye. His name will be spoken with reverence, his contributions will be celebrated, and his memory will live on as a lasting symbol of perseverance, dedication, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

The Ohio State community has lost a son, a champion, and a brother, but his legacy will live forever. As the Buckeye Nation grieves, they will also celebrate the life of one of their own—knowing that his impact will endure for years to come, both on the field and in the hearts of all who loved him.