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Jim Tressel (National Champion, ex-President, Youngstown State University, CFB HOF)

I admire how little bitterness he seems to have. He got absolutely screwed, got his dream job and profession taken from him, not to mention millions of dollars, and seemingly has just moved on and has a positive outlook.
I've met Coach a couple of times. Anybody that has any kind of interaction with him would immediately see that he's an incredibly kind, humble, down to earth person. I grew up in a small town of about 4000 people in NE Ohio, JT was invited (and accepted) an invite to attend and speak at the town's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony a few years ago (that's one of the times I briefly got to speak to him) and he spent a good hour just wandering around talking to people and taking pictures in 20 degree weather (https://www.tribtoday.com/news/local-news/2019/12/weather-alters-tree-lighting/). He also spoke at the swearing in ceremony for the town's new mayor last November (https://www.wfmj.com/story/50120682...ewton-falls?clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass) How many men of his stature would do that?

When I retired from the Air Force, my Commander, knowing what a huge tOSU fan I was reached out to JT, Urban, Holtmann, and Ryan Day through tOSU (and YSU for JT) to ask for a congratulations letter to present at my ceremony as one of my going away gifts. Only JT responded. (by the by, I'm not bitter towards the others...I know they are incredibly busy lol).
 
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I've seen him speak a few times. He is a great speaker.

Also, his memory is freaky. A friend of mine had him come in and speak at an event. JT tried to recruit my friend to YSU back in the day and they had not seen each other in decades. JT instantly remembered my friend, where he played in high school and where he ended up playing in college. Now, JT could have done some research, but regardless it was impressive.
 
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