“Loved this man”: American Football Football supporters pay honour to the birthday of Ohio State icon Woody Hayes

“Loved This Man”: American Football Supporters Pay Honour to the Birthday of Ohio State Icon Woody Hayes

It was a crisp winter morning in Columbus, Ohio, but the excitement in the air felt like the beginning of fall—the time when the scarlet and gray-clad masses gather in full force. This time, they weren’t meeting for a game; they were there to honor the man whose legacy still loomed large over the Ohio State football program: Woody Hayes.

As the crowd gathered outside Ohio Stadium, the famed “Horseshoe,” the scene was one of reverence. People of all ages—longtime alumni, current students, and passionate fans—came together for one reason: to celebrate the birthday of Woody Hayes, the legendary coach whose fierce leadership and unwavering dedication shaped the Buckeyes into a football powerhouse.

Woody Hayes wasn’t just a coach; he was a force. His career spanned from 1951 to 1978, a period in which he transformed Ohio State football, bringing them national championships, instilling a culture of hard work, and building a family among his players. His intensity on the sideline was legendary, but it was his unbreakable bond with his team that made him an icon.

In the stands, a group of older fans reminisced about the glory days of Hayes’ reign. “He taught us all about toughness,” said Bob Anderson, a former player who had been coached under Hayes in the late 1960s. “Woody wasn’t just about X’s and O’s. He was about building men, about discipline, about taking pride in wearing that scarlet and gray. You didn’t just play for Ohio State; you played for him.”

Behind the scenes, a collection of memorabilia was displayed inside the stadium, showcasing the trophies, photos, and moments that defined Woody Hayes’ illustrious career. His famous “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust” offense might have been outdated by modern standards, but his approach to life—commitment, loyalty, and an unyielding passion for the game—still resonated with every fan that walked through the gates.

As the celebration continued, a banner was unfurled, reading: “Loved This Man.” It wasn’t just a tribute to his coaching skills; it was a reflection of the profound impact Woody Hayes had on the entire community. Players, coaches, and supporters alike looked back at his time with deep admiration. Though the era of his reign was over, the lessons he instilled lived on through each new generation of Buckeye football.

One of his former quarterbacks, Jim Tressel, a modern-day legend in his own right, made an appearance at the event. With a smile and a nod, Tressel spoke about what Hayes had meant to him personally. “Woody taught us all that it was about more than just football,” he shared. “It was about representing something larger than yourself—about pride, sacrifice, and doing things the right way. I carry that with me every day.”

The tribute included a moment of silence, and many fans wore patches on their coats with the number “22,” the number Woody wore as a player for Denison University. As the crowd fell quiet, a wave of appreciation washed over the entire stadium. The sun broke through the clouds as if to shine a spotlight on the legacy of a man who had shaped not just the university, but the very fabric of Ohio football culture.

In a time when college football had changed drastically, with high-flying offenses and new coaching strategies, there was a reminder that at the heart of the game, it was about more than the scoreboard. It was about dedication, passion, and the unyielding belief in something bigger than oneself.

“Loved this man,” the banner read again as it fluttered in the wind. And in that moment, everyone knew: Woody Hayes would never truly leave them. His spirit would forever echo in the halls of Ohio State, and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to witness his greatness.