Former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor recently made a heartfelt gesture by gifting his game-worn 2010 Rose Bowl jersey to his former coach, Jim Tressel. The moment was both nostalgic and meaningful, marking a special connection between the two Buckeye legends.
Pryor, who played under Tressel from 2008 to 2010, was a key figure in Ohio State’s victory over Oregon in the 2010 Rose Bowl, where he led the team to a 26-17 win. The quarterback passed for 266 yards and ran for another 72, earning the game’s MVP honors. That performance cemented his place in Ohio State history, and the jersey he wore during that game became a treasured piece of memorabilia.
Jim Tressel, the revered coach who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, played a crucial role in Pryor’s development as a player. However, their time together ended on a difficult note due to the NCAA’s “Tattoo Gate” scandal, which led to Tressel’s resignation in 2011 and ultimately affected Pryor’s collegiate career. Despite the controversy, Pryor has often spoken highly of Tressel and the impact he had on his life.
Presenting the jersey to Tressel during a public event symbolized both appreciation and reconciliation. The moment was especially poignant given Tressel’s continued influence in Ohio, where he has served as the president of Youngstown State University and remains a beloved figure in Buckeye circles.
Fans and alumni took to social media to praise the gesture, seeing it as a sign of respect and a reminder of the great moments the Buckeyes achieved under Tressel’s leadership. While Pryor’s football journey took him to the NFL and beyond, this act of gratitude showed that his connection to Ohio State and his former coach remains strong.
For Buckeye Nation, it was more than just a jersey—it was a symbol of loyalty, redemption, and the enduring power of sports to bring people together.
