WASHINGTON, D.C. — Urban Meyer and Ohio State might already be looking ahead to what's next — something that comes with the territory in the stressful world of college football — but the Leader of the Free World demanded they take a moment to look back once more on their improbable 2014 season.
Just two days after capping off spring drills in Ohio Stadium with the annual Scarlet and Gray scrimmage, the Buckeyes toured Washington, D.C., Monday and got their chance to meet President Barack Obama at the White House.
"This is our third time that I’ve been a part of it and I can’t remember a (more) genuine, as open and as relaxed … he came in and spent time," Meyer told the media just outside the White House lawn Monday. "The first time I think that’s happened — just the President and our team. Very appreciative."
Obama shook the hand of every individual who took part in Ohio State's unbelievable trek to the crown of the college football mountain, something that wasn't expected, but wholly appreciated by the players, coaches and administers alike.
"Not every day you get to see the President of the United States, let alone shake his hand and listen to him talk about you and your teammates," senior captain and tight end Jeff Heuerman said. "Something special. It was a fun day."
Heuerman, like a multitude of others who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility, took time out of his busy schedule preparing for the NFL Draft — which opens nine days from Tuesday — to spend one more day with his teammates and celebrate what they've accomplished together.
"How could you not?" Evan Spencer said.
"I'd say the President takes priority," Heuerman said. He followed the statement with his patented chuckle, one of the many tidbits fans of the program are bound to remember when they look back and discuss the team who overcame plenty in order to win it all.
"Not every day you get to see the President of the United States, let alone shake his hand and listen to him talk about you and your teammates."– Jeff Heuerman
The President acknowledged those struggles in his speech Monday, among them included a Sept. 6 loss to Virginia Tech at home, the shocking death of teammate Kosta Karageorge and the loss of not one, but two stellar quarterbacks to injury in Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett.
"To say Ohio State's path to the title felt improbable at times would be an understatement," Obama said. "At one point last year the Buckeyes were ranked as low as 23rd in the nation, but they kept on battling back with the help of not one, not two, but three quarterbacks."
The third, of course, is the imposing Cardale Jones, who directed Ohio State to its three biggest wins of the season against Wisconsin, Alabama and later Oregon in the National Championship Game.
The season had everything. And before those who took a part of it go their separate ways — whether it be back at Ohio State for another season, the NFL, or jobs that don't require shoulder pads — they gathered one final time to reflect on what they'd done.
"We were talking about it earlier," Heuerman said. "This is kind of the last time we’re flying on the team plane with the guys and traveling around as a team, the 2014 National Championship team."
Added Meyer: "I hope the pictures were there for them for the rest of their life, so they can take them with them. Obviously, it’s a great reward and something they’ll tell their children’s children about in a long time."
That time will come at a different point for each of them as they take what this season taught them into the next phase of their life, but Monday the Buckeyes soaked in all the glory they worked countless hours to achieve.
"At critical moments throughout the season, we learned about the character of this football team," President Obama said. "This was a team of true character, of true resilience."
And now the book is closed on the 2014 season of a lifetime.
"We traveled a long and winding road of adversity, overcoming numerous challenges as a team to be here today," Meyer told the West Room. "These young men and this coaching staff worked hard to complete the chase and achieve their final goal of becoming undisputed champions."
And here's your reminder to keep the comments free of your political #hot #takes (or meet the ban hammer).
