If you live in Columbus, former Ohio State safety C.J. Barnett could soon be patrolling your streets.
Barnett graduated Friday with the 129th recruiting class of the Columbus Police Academy. He spoke with the CPD's media team following the honor.
"Playing for Ohio State and everything like that," Barnett said, "I had the privilege to be cheered on by the city of Columbus. They've done me well as far as coming to games and being the reason why I was able to earn a scholarship. … It's an honor and a privilege now be able to pay it forward and serve the community."
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer also attended the ceremony to speak to the class of graduates. His speech can be seen in the video below from the Columbus Police's official Facebook page.
"This is one of the things I'm most honored to ever do in my life," said Meyer, who is currently on vacation but said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to attend Friday's ceremony.
Barnett last played with Ohio State in 2013. He signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2014 but failed to make their regular season roster.
