Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields receives diploma from Ohio State
Justin Fields left Ohio State after the 2020 season to join the NFL, but he still had unfinished business in Columbus. The now Chicago Bears quarterback wanted to earn his college diploma and did just that on Sunday.
According to the university, Fields received a degree in consumer and family financial services after completing his coursework through the athletic department’s degree completion program. He was among seven Buckeyes football players — current or former — to graduate Sunday.
A photo emerged from the ceremony of Fields decked out in his cap and gown while holding the diploma, which you can view below.
After beginning his college career at Georgia, Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State in 2019 and played his final two seasons with the Buckeyes. He was the starting quarterback both years, leading them to the College Football Playoff each season and being named a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020.
Fields finished his career at Ohio State with 5,373 yards passing, 63 touchdowns (third in program history) and just nine interceptions. He also showed off his rushing ability with 867 yards and 15 scores on the ground.
Now in addition to all that, he can officially call himself a college graduate as well.
Justin Fields gearing up for third season in NFL with the Bears
Fields’ performance in college led to him being the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Bears. He took over as the team’s starter by Week 3 of his rookie season and the team has continued to build around him ever since.
This past season, Fields led all quarterbacks with 1,143 yards rushing along with eight rushing touchdowns. That number was also good for the team lead as Fields finished with 2,242 yards passing, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Chicago finished with a league-worst record of 3-14 and received the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. The Bears reaffirmed their commitment to Fields by trading the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for multiple draft picks and receiver DJ Moore. Moore had three straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Panthers from 2019-21 and should give Fields a No. 1 option this season.
The Bears then used the No. 10 pick in the draft to take Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright to give Fields more protection. All that in mind, 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Fields who will have all the opportunity to prove himself this season.