Five Michigan men tried to tackle Ted Ginn Jr. on one punt return in 2004. None succeeded.
In the annals of college football history, there are few moments that capture the essence of athletic brilliance quite like Ted Ginn Jr.’s legendary punt return against Michigan in 2004. It was a play that transcended the game, embodying the raw talent, speed, and determination that made Ginn one of the most electrifying players to ever step onto a college football field. What’s even more remarkable about this play is the fact that five Michigan defenders—five of the best players from one of college football’s most storied programs—attempted to tackle Ginn on that return. None succeeded.
The 2004 Ohio State vs. Michigan game was already a highly anticipated matchup, as it always is when these two historic rivals face off. Ohio State, under head coach Jim Tressel, had a team brimming with talent, and they were primed for a shot at a Big Ten title. Michigan, with their own national championship aspirations and an outstanding team led by head coach Lloyd Carr, was looking to reclaim dominance in the rivalry.
But it was a single moment during that game—a punt return that would go down in history—that defined Ted Ginn Jr.’s legacy and added another unforgettable chapter to this fierce rivalry.
For Ginn, the game against Michigan was not just another matchup; it was a showcase of everything that made him a household name in college football. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Ginn was a constant threat. Known for his breakneck speed, incredible agility, and uncanny ability to make defenders miss, he was a player who could change the course of a game in the blink of an eye.
As the game progressed, both teams fought tooth and nail, with the intensity ramping up as each possession carried increasing significance. Michigan had a slim lead, and Ohio State needed to make something happen to swing the momentum in their favor. As fate would have it, that moment came when Michigan punted the ball back to Ohio State, and Ted Ginn Jr. found himself with the ball in his hands.
The Michigan punter stood deep in his own territory, his foot connecting with the ball as it soared into the air, heading toward Ginn. At this point, it was still a standard play—nothing special. But as Ginn caught the ball and began his descent up the field, it quickly became clear that this would be anything but a normal return.
Ginn started by quickly finding a gap in the Michigan coverage unit, his sharp eyes reading the field as he instinctively cut to the left. From there, the magic began. As he dodged the first tackler, it became apparent that the Wolverines had underestimated just how fast and elusive Ginn could be. His movements were smooth and fluid, as though he were gliding across the turf rather than running on it.
The first Michigan player who attempted to bring him down was far too slow to catch up. As he closed in, Ginn dropped his body low, sidestepping the defender with a move so quick that the Michigan player was left grasping at air. It was a move that epitomized Ginn’s incredible footwork, leaving the first defender in the dust.
But Ginn wasn’t done yet. As he streaked down the sideline, a second Michigan player closed in. This defender had more speed, and he seemed like he might have a better chance at tackling Ginn. But Ginn was already three steps ahead, effortlessly shifting his body in the opposite direction, using his lateral quickness to break free again.
Now, three Michigan defenders were within arm’s reach of him, with the sideline looming in the distance. Ginn’s field vision and athleticism were in full display as he weaved between the defenders, his posture low and his legs churning like a gazelle sprinting through an open plain. With each cut, he left another Wolverine grasping for a futile tackle.
As Ginn reached the 50-yard line, there were still three Michigan players left to stop him. These defenders were fast—some of the best athletes the Wolverines had to offer—but Ginn wasn’t to be denied. He juked left, cutting back right, his body a blur of movement. He turned the corner, evading yet another defender, and kept his eyes locked on the end zone.
At this point, only one Michigan player was in pursuit. The last chance to stop Ginn lay with this defender. He tried to close the gap, using every ounce of speed and determination, but it was too late. Ginn had already found another gear, and the final Wolverine defender was unable to make up the ground.
As Ginn crossed the goal line for the touchdown, the stadium erupted into an explosion of sound, and Buckeye fans knew they had just witnessed something special—something that would forever be etched in the history of college football.
The play itself wasn’t just a demonstration of Ginn’s incredible athleticism—it was also a testament to his understanding of the game. He knew how to set up his blockers, how to read the coverage, and when to make his move. His vision on that punt return was as sharp as any quarterback’s, and he used it to turn what could have been a standard return into a dazzling display of football brilliance.
For Michigan, it was a moment of frustration and disbelief. They had five defenders on the field, each with the singular goal of stopping Ginn, and yet none of them could. There was no simple explanation for how Ginn managed to evade them. It wasn’t just one move, or one juke, or one moment of brilliance. It was the sum of his skill set—his speed, agility, awareness, and football IQ—that made the play so extraordinary.
And for Ohio State, it was the turning point in the game. After that return, the momentum swung in favor of the Buckeyes. Ginn’s touchdown electrified his teammates, and they fed off his energy for the remainder of the game. It wasn’t just a spectacular individual effort—it was the kind of play that galvanized an entire team and propelled them to victory.
As the game unfolded, Ohio State would go on to win the 2004 edition of The Game, securing a hard-fought 37-21 victory over Michigan. But it was Ginn’s punt return that would go down as the defining play of the game, and one of the defining moments of his legendary career.
The aftermath of that play saw Ginn gain nationwide recognition as one of the top talents in college football. His performance against Michigan elevated him into the conversation as a future NFL star, and his electrifying style of play left a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike. In a rivalry as heated as Ohio State vs. Michigan, moments like this don’t come around often, but when they do, they become part of the fabric of college football history.
For Ginn, the return wasn’t just about personal glory—it was about the team and the program. He knew the significance of the rivalry, and he understood the weight that his play carried for Ohio State fans. To this day, the sight of Ginn leaving five Michigan defenders grasping at air remains one of the most iconic images in the history of The Game.
When looking back at Ted Ginn Jr.’s illustrious career, that punt return against Michigan stands out as one of the defining moments, a testament to his unparalleled athleticism and ability to make something extraordinary happen when it mattered most. His combination of speed, vision, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and no play better encapsulated that than his unforgettable punt return in 2004.
That moment wasn’t just a touchdown; it was a statement. It was a reminder that in the world of college football, greatness can come in many forms—and sometimes, it’s as simple as a single player leaving an entire defense in his wake. In 2004, Ted Ginn Jr. did just that, and in doing so, he secured his place in Ohio State football lore.
