Former Ohio State footballer Ted Ginn Jr. retires from the NFL

A former Ohio state football player made a brilliant NFL career on Friday when he was the first-round pick in 2007

Former Buckeye receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. is retiring. He announced on Friday that he would resign from football after fourteen seasons in the NFL. Ginn said

“I have dedicated my life and time to football all my life so far, and I can go peacefully to the joy of joy is all I wanted.”

Miami took Ginn’s ninth place in the 2007 draft. He spent three seasons with the Dolphins before moving to San Francisco. He also played for the Carolina (twice), Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago teams. Ginn was named a Pro Football Writers of America starting team and played in two Super Bowls.

The Cleveland native scored 412 assists over 5,700 yards and 33 touches in his career. He also rushed nearly 500 yards with only 68 plaintiffs. Ginn was a prolific kick-off. He had over 9,500 yards of combined kick and point returns as well as seven touches. All of this adds 15,751 yards to his career.

As a buckey, Ginn was just as productive. The Glenville High School product had 135 receptions at nearly 2,000 yards and fifteen touches. He is without a doubt the greatest patient returnee the school has ever had. Ginn earned an average of fourteen yards per return and almost 27 yards. He still has a school record for pound returns to contact during the season (four) and career (six).

Ginn had been named first-team All-American at several outlets for three consecutive seasons with the Buckeyes. He was the senior of the first team’s All-Big Ten in 2006 and helped Buckeyes for an unbeaten season and birth in the BCS National Championship. He restored the opening starting point from touch in that championship against Florida, but broke a bone in his leg during the celebration. You can watch this play here.

Ginn is the fastest football player I have ever seen. He was a national champion on the track in high school and was able to turn his speed on the football field as well. You don’t often see track guys who can do it. He is easily one of the most interesting Ohio State football players in program history. You held your breath every time he touched football. I miss seeing him on the field.