It came as somewhat of a surprise when Tommy Togiai decided to forgo his last year at Ohio State for the NFL draft. Togiai will take part in the OSU pro day this Tuesday, March 30 to showcase his skills and try to impress NFL scouts. But the defensive tackle who helped anchor one of the best lines in the country will try to do more than just that.
We all know these guys are strong, but I don’t think any of us realize just how strong. And Togiai is about to attempt something that seems so far out of the realm of possibility as he attempts to bench press 225 pounds 50 times! FIFTY!
If you’ve ever lifted weights, you know doing three sets of 10 can be taxing, but 50 reps in one set? Mindblowing.
So why the show of strength? Obviously, Togiai wants to showcase what he can do and hopefully improve his draft stock. But there is more to it than just that as the big man wants to give back to the community and is partnering with Ohio State’s LiFEsports initiative to do so.
For every rep that Togiai completes, a matching contribution will be made to LiFEsports. LiFEsports is a partnership between The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, the OSU Department of Athletics, and the Department of Recreational Sports.
According to their website, the goal of LiFEsports is to increase the number and quality of sport and recreational programs available to youth, especially those from vulnerable circumstances.
Thankful for my time spent in Columbus and excited to be able to help give back to the Community‼️ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/UtlNjBumZc
— Tommy Togiai (@Big_Tom72) March 26, 2021
What an admirable cause and way to give back. If Togiai can get to 50 reps, he will break the previous record of 49 reps held by Stephen Paea of Oregon State set in 2011.
If you would like to pledge to the cause, you can go to TommyTogiai’s “Pledge It” page to donate.
Ohio State football 2021 projected depth chart, pre-spring defense
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