Ohio State Football: Sports are world’s great unifier, Buckeyes prove it true

In life there are very few things can bring a people together, sports are one of them. Kobe Bryant and the Ohio State football team are evidence of that.

The world has endless things to offer and is always filled with discussion and debate. Our society is living on its head as we constantly entertain political drama, compare everything and everyone, and filter our lives through social media. But some things transcend all races, genders, and beliefs — the arts, music, and sports.

This great trio can be dubbed many nicknames, but one stands above the rest in separation as the world’s great unifier and that is sports.

Last Sunday afternoon, culture and society stood still as the tragic news of a helicopter accident broke outside of Los Angeles. Among the many lives taken was Kobe Bryant’s. His life and legacy transcended the hardwood into the homes of millions as not only a Hall of Fame basketball player, but also a Hall of Fame father and humanitarian in society.

Ever since the reports surfaced we’ve seen global unification as everyone was feeling the same thing for once — some to a lesser or greater extent but nonetheless the same. Kobe has connected us all and proves that we can all set aside our differences and come together for a certain cause.

American patriotism and freedom haven’t had as much backing power and support as of late compared to that of which Kobe’s gotten this week.

In this time of mourning, reflection, and celebration of the lives of those lost, we have learned tomorrow is promised to no man and to live each day to the fullest while loving those closest to you like you won’t get another chance.

All of these life lessons and inspirations are rooted in faith, family and sports — three things Kobe held dearly close to his heart.

As an individual, think back on some of your fondest memories — they likely contain one of those three listed above. As I reflect, I was blessed to have been able to combine them all into one.

Whether it was playing catch outside in the yard with my Dad, looking to him or listening for his voice prior to every pitch I threw in a game, or watching Ohio State and other sports games together throughout my life. Anytime I look back on faith, family, and sports my Dad is always attached.

He is my role model just as Kobe was to his daughters, but it was greater than that. Kobe impacted more than just his family or the people he knew; the superstar influenced a generation and motivated them too.

The current wave of athletes spanning high school and college age as well as young professionals grew up idolizing Bryant and will now continue to train and perform in the only way fitting to his honor — exercising their Mamba Mentality.

For years Urban Meyer used Kobe Bryant’s work ethic, drive and motivation for his college football teams. Meyer has won three national championships and his coaching and leadership is another to transcend the game.

A few months ago I wrote about how the Buckeyes’ impact stretches far beyond the gridiron and that’s due to the culture and core values set before the team and program by its coaches and staff.

The culture at Ohio State just feels bigger than football or sports. It’s structured where it takes the everyday fan inside the locker room and practice field and makes them feel just as an integral part of the team and brotherhood as the player.

Though there’s no official look inside team meetings or motivational speeches outside of sound bites, outsiders are still continually learning life skills and leadership qualities from following a football program.

That’s not supposed to be that way, but Urban Meyer created it and Ryan Day is continuing it. Cheering for the Ohio State football team isn’t just pouring our energy into a three and a half hour game on Saturdays, it’s more than that. It’s a learning experience with the full benefits of an elite sports team competing at the highest level.

So next time you’re in The Shoe cheering on the Buckeyes or in a different stadium or arena cheering on another team, remember the game is greater than a win or a loss. Take in the atmosphere of people from all different beliefs and backgrounds united as one cheering on their beloved sports team.