Cam was back in town for the spring game. Bobby Carpenter was talking on his radio show about how his son was collecting autographs on a hat over at the Woody where all the former players were gathered after the game. Bobby said he told his kid that he wasn’t going to introduce him to anyone, he had to go ask them personally. He’d point them out, tell him who they were, then send him on his way.
He commented about how nice Cam was. And then he also remarked about how huge he is. When a former NFL player comments about how huge someone is, you know that’s a big guy. I’m sure Cam doesn’t make it back every year and I assume this was a gesture of respect in honor of his fallen teammate. (RIP Dwayne.) But I think that’s kind of a strong message.
Incidentally, the recruits get to see that, how all these former players come back and what a family atmosphere it is. (Herbie was there as well and from what I saw he didn’t seek out any media attention. Orlando Pace was back in town too. So was Chicago Bears starting QB Justin Fields.) I don’t know what it’s like at other schools, but I hear former players who have played in the NFL and interacted with a lot of players from other schools say that it’s something unique to the culture at Ohio State. All these former players know each other and interact with each other. Like on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. They get to interact with the fans but I get the impression that what they like most about it is getting to fellowship with other Buckeyes, often those with whom they never played.
How firm thy friendship.