Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer honors 17-year-old Jack Bennett Sawyer, who died of cancer, by wearing “JBSSTRONG” on his wrist tape.
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer has long been known for his fierce play on the field—quick off the line, relentless in pursuit, and a critical component of the Buckeyes’ fearsome defense. But for those who have followed his journey beyond the gridiron, there’s a deeper story etched into the black tape he wears around his wrist every game. Scrawled in bold white letters are seven characters: “JBSSTRONG.”
To the average fan, it might seem like a simple motivational phrase or a personal motto. But to Jack Sawyer and the community that has come to know the story behind it, those letters are a powerful tribute to Jack Bennett Sawyer, a 17-year-old boy who passed away from cancer in 2023. Their shared name is more than coincidence—it’s a connection that has inspired one of college football’s brightest young stars to play with heart, purpose, and unwavering dedication.
A Namesake and a Bond
Jack Bennett Sawyer was not a football star. He wasn’t on a Division I scholarship or under the bright lights of a national television broadcast. But he was a fighter. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Jack Bennett’s strength, positivity, and perseverance through treatment captured the hearts of his community in Grove City, Ohio.
It was during Jack Bennett’s cancer battle that his story reached Jack Sawyer, then already making waves at Ohio State. Moved by the story of a young boy who shared not only his first and last name but also his fighting spirit, Sawyer reached out. What began as a gesture of support quickly grew into something more meaningful.
“He reminded me so much of myself—just the way he carried himself,” said Jack Sawyer in an interview. “He had this determination, this light about him. When I heard what he was going through, I knew I had to support him however I could.”
Building a Friendship
Over the next several months, the two Jacks became friends, bonding over their names, sports, and shared love for Ohio State. Sawyer sent messages of encouragement, FaceTimed Jack Bennett when possible, and even invited him to attend a Buckeyes practice. Jack Bennett’s health limited his ability to be there in person, but the gesture was never forgotten.
For Jack Bennett’s family, the connection brought moments of joy during an otherwise harrowing time. “It meant the world to him,” said his mother, Christina Sawyer. “To have someone like Jack [Sawyer] reach out and treat him like family—it lifted his spirits. He looked up to him so much.”
A Legacy Carried Forward
When Jack Bennett passed away in the fall of 2023, the Ohio State locker room was solemn. Sawyer, devastated by the loss of his young friend, wanted to find a way to honor his legacy permanently. That’s when he began writing “JBSSTRONG” on his wrist tape before every game.
“I wanted to carry him with me on the field,” Sawyer said. “Every play, every tackle, every sack—he’s with me. He’s my motivation to keep pushing.”
The message quickly resonated throughout Buckeye Nation. Fans began asking about the initials. Teammates started writing messages on their own gear. And when Ohio State played its rivalry game against Michigan, Sawyer raised his wrist to the camera after a sack, showing the world what “JBSSTRONG” stood for.
A Program Rallies
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Sawyer for his leadership and compassion. “Jack’s always been an emotional leader for us,” Day said. “But what he’s done in honoring Jack Bennett shows the kind of person he is. He’s not just a great football player—he’s a great human being.”
The Buckeyes program has since embraced “JBSSTRONG” as a rallying cry. Before the start of the 2024 season, the team hosted a charity event in Jack Bennett’s honor, raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Jack Sawyer gave an emotional speech, sharing stories of their friendship and calling on everyone in attendance to “be strong like Jack.”
“We talk about toughness all the time in this sport,” Sawyer said. “But real toughness? That was Jack. Smiling through pain. Lifting others when he was the one who needed it most. That’s true strength.”
Impact Beyond Football
The impact of “JBSSTRONG” has extended far beyond the confines of Ohio Stadium. Local schools in central Ohio have adopted the slogan during pediatric cancer awareness month. A scholarship fund has been started in Jack Bennett’s name, and Sawyer has pledged to contribute annually, no matter where his football journey takes him next.
“He’s made sure Jack [Bennett] won’t be forgotten,” said Christina Sawyer. “That wrist tape… it’s more than just tape. It’s love. It’s remembrance. It’s hope.”
Preparing for the Next Level—with Purpose
As Jack Sawyer prepares for what could be his final season at Ohio State before declaring for the NFL Draft, he continues to keep perspective. He’s training harder than ever, taking on a larger leadership role, and fielding questions from scouts about his character—questions easily answered by his actions off the field.
“I know the NFL is in my future, God willing,” Sawyer said. “But I’ll never forget who I play for. JBSSTRONG is part of me now. It always will be.”
The Power of a Name
In a world where college athletes are increasingly defined by stats, NIL deals, and social media highlights, stories like Jack Sawyer’s serve as a reminder of the humanity behind the helmet. Through his tribute to Jack Bennett Sawyer, Sawyer has shown that legacy is not just about what you accomplish—but who you carry with you along the way.
For the Sawyer family, the Buckeye faithful, and anyone who has followed this touching story, “JBSSTRONG” has become more than a tribute. It’s a call to live with courage, compassion, and a relentless will to fight through adversity—on the field and in life.
