There is a new tradition that Ohio State Football has embraced since 2020, the “Block 0” jersey, honoring former Buckeye great Bill Willis.
Willis broke the color barrier for professional football with the Cleveland Browns, and wore No. 99 in Columbus, but when the NCAA allowed players to wear the number 0 in 2020, Ohio State found a way to honor Willis.
Only four former players have worn the “Block 0,” defensive lineman Jonathan Cooper, offensive tackle Thayer Mumford and last year, wide receiver Kamryn Babb. Another receiver, Xavier Johnson was selected to wear the jersey this fall, but Ohio State’s social media account went a bit further to provide more background on the decision.
They released a short video about this history of the “Block 0” jersey, why Johnson was selected, and a special message from Babb. Watch the video below as the former walk-on will forever be entrenched in Buckeye history.
2023 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐎 Recipient, 𝐗𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 🅾️
@J5Xavier pic.twitter.com/2MMhdY6bDJ— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 23, 2023
Ohio State has a bushel of really cool traditions, and this one fits right along with others that are revered.
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