COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two Ohio State football players traded the practice field for a packing line Wednesday, spending part of their offseason helping prepare food boxes for seniors across Central Ohio.
Linebacker Riley Pettijohn and tight end Nate Roberts volunteered at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s headquarters in Grove City, where they helped pack monthly food boxes that will be distributed to older adults in need.
The pair said giving back to the community has been a priority since arriving at Ohio State and that they wanted to use the platform that comes with playing for the Buckeyes to make a difference.
“Having the opportunity to come out here with Riley and kind of giving back to the community… that’s kind of been my main purpose ever since I started football,” Roberts said.
Roberts said he hopes others are encouraged to volunteer in their own communities.
“I think no one is definitely too big or too small. So just giving back to the community as much as you can is definitely a big goal for me,” he said.
Pettijohn said supporting organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective is one way to give back to the fans who support Ohio State throughout the season.
“The people of Columbus, a lot of them are Ohio State fans. So just this organization being able to give healthy food to people and help the area and Columbus as a whole—it’s always a good thing,” Pettijohn said.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective leaders said the players’ help came at an important time. Thousands of seniors across Central Ohio rely on the organization’s monthly food boxes, and volunteers play a key role in making sure those meals reach families in need.
Jeremy Brauning, the organization’s volunteer services manager, said the Buckeye players also helped spread an important message.
“You don’t have to be 6-foot-4, bench press 300 pounds or squat 500 pounds to make a difference. We want you, we need you, and we’re so grateful to have Nate and Riley be that voice for us today,” Brauning said.
Pettijohn echoed that message, saying anyone can make an impact by volunteering.
“I feel like nobody is too big or too small to give back when you have the chance,” he said.
The visit won’t be the last for the two Buckeyes. Pettijohn and Roberts are also expected to participate in the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s upcoming Holiday Meals campaign later this year.
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