Former Ohio State kicker Tyler Durbin flashed on the scene in 2016 for the Buckeyes. He was thrust into the spotlight because of an injury to incumbent staring kicker Sean Nuerenberger, but did so well he locked down the position for the rest of the year.
After his college career was over, he struggled to find a place to continue his craft, but was assigned to the Columbus Destroyers on an emergency scenario in June of this year, and stayed on for the rest of the season. Though it was a disappointing season for the Destroyers, Durbin thinks the support in Columbus is a great one thanks in large part to the Ohio State culture.
When asked about Buckeye fans remembering him, Durbin agreed that being an Ohio State player comes with some long-term fame in the Capital city of Ohio.
“It’s such a football city,” said Durbin. “The city rallies around us, even when the results aren’t going our way, it’s great to have the city of Columbus behind us … I had a guy in the autograph signings after the game come drop off a bunch of pictures of me playing at Ohio State wanting them signed. I didn’t see that for any other players out there, so that was cool.”
But it’s not just former Buckeyes that see the support the Arch City has for its sports teams. Former Wisconsin receiver and Columbus native Rob Wheelright who also plays for the Destroyers sees it.
“I’m not a huge Ohio State fan, but then again Ohio — as a whole — does a great job of supporting their teams,” said Wheelright. “They really keep us going.”
There you have it. Even players that don’t have ties to Ohio State understand the passion and love for Ohio’s players and teams.
