Ohio State players reveal Happy Father's Day messages to their own dads

Ohio State football players came together to wish a Happy Father’s Day to their dads in a social media post on Sunday. Some standout names were a part of the festivities.

Zak Herbstreit, whose father, Kirk, is one of the hosts of ESPN College GameDay, and a former Buckeyes himself, revealed what his father has meant to him throughout his life.

“Hey dad, I just wanted to say Happy Father’s Day,” Herbstreit said. “This journey hasn’t been easy for me, but you’ve been there every step of the way. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, I love you.”

Herbstreit’s wasn’t the only heartfelt Father’s Day message, four other Buckeyes were given the same platform. These included EDGE JT Tuimoloau, linebacker Jalen Pace and quarterbacks Devin Brown and Kyle McCord

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#HappyFathersDay pic.twitter.com/qqgijuVbK5

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 18, 2023

“Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, I definitely wouldn’t be here without you,” McCord said in his message. “Your support, your guidance throughout the years — you’re one of my best friends and you’re my right-hand man, so Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you.”

Brown, who is in the midst of a quarterback battle with McCord for this fall’s starting spot, also had something to tell his father.

“Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Just wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. You’ve done so much for me and the family. I can’t express how much we are appreciative of you and how much we love you,” Brown said. “I love you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us and the many blessings you’ve presented us.”

Whether Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, who has three children of his own, names McCord or Brown the day-one starting quarterback before the opening weekend remains to be seen. When CJ Stroud took over the starting duties in 2021, Day waited until late August to name his the Week 1 starter.

McCord was the presumed starter to begin the offseason, but Brown has made it difficult to rule him as the clear backup. He’s an athletic option, but hasn’t been able to show off his arm talent the way that McCord was able to during last month’s spring showcase. Even with an injury keeping him out of action, Day like what he has with his top two options under center.

Still, that decision won’t be made today. Instead, they’re celebrating their fathers for the role they played in getting them to where they are today.