COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football already honored Bill Willis’ impactful career by retiring his No. 99. The program decided that was not enough of a living tribute to honor the man who broke professional football’s color barrier with the Browns. When the NCAA approved the use of No. 0 for players beginning this season, the Buckeyes decided to begin a new tradition. They also picked a selfless, respected and resilient player to kick it off. Following OSU’s scrimmage in Ohio Stadium on Saturday, coach Ryan Day presented defensive end Jonathon Cooper with the No. 0 jersey — or as the Buckeyes will call it, the “Block O” — to be worn in recognition of Willis’ legacy. A new OSU player will wear the number each season. “This honor stands out from the rest,” Cooper said in an Ohio State news release. “Being a captain, all the great things that…
Continue Reading: Ohio State football’s “Block O” No. 0 tradition a fitting tribute to both Bill Willis and Jonathon Cooper
