There is so much to love about this.
First things first - big congratulations to the 45 new officers from the 129th class of the Columbus Division of Police Academy who made it through 29 grueling, intensive weeks of training to earn their badges. I have so much respect for your sacrifice and service. Thank you. Be safe out there!
One of those officers is C.J. Barnett, former safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who has decided to give back to the community that gave so much to him, by becoming a Columbus Police Officer.
Speaking with fellow 129th Officers after graduation, Officer Barnett expressed after having "the privilege to be cheered on by the City of Columbus... It's an honor and a privilege to be able to now, you know, pay it forward and serve the community."
While in the Academy, C.J. decided to ask Ohio State Football Head Coach Urban Meyer, who was head coach during his time at OSU, if he would speak to the class on Graduation Day. Meyer looked at his calendar and said, "there's no way I was going to say no to this", adding "when I got the phone call from C.J., this is one of the... things I'm most honored to do in my life."
The speech that he gave gives a glimpse into not only what makes him successful as the Buckeyes Head Coach, but his love, leadership and bond with his family of players that helps shape them into people like Officer Barnett, who go on to answer the most noble of callings as they return to protect and serve their community.
Take twenty minutes to be inspired.
- Marty (Click to follow me on [Twitter] & [IG] | Snap: add MartyScottShow)