For years, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has been one of the most intense and storied in all of college football. Every year, the two teams battle it out on the field, with the winner earning bragging rights and the coveted “The Game” trophy. But for some Ohio State greats, the rivalry has left a bitter taste in their mouths, as they were never able to defeat their arch-nemesis, Michigan.
One such player is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a former wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Smith-Njigba, who is now 23 years old, had an impressive career at Ohio State, racking up numerous accolades and records. However, there was one thing missing from his impressive resume – a win against Michigan.
Despite his success at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba’s inability to defeat Michigan was a constant source of frustration for him. He, like many other Buckeye greats before him, carried the weight of this unfulfilled victory on his shoulders. It was a blemish on an otherwise stellar legacy, and one that he desperately wanted to erase.
But now, as Smith-Njigba prepares to make his Super Bowl debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he can finally say that he has put the Michigan curse behind him. And he credits his former coach, Ryan Day, for helping him achieve this milestone.
In a recent interview, Smith-Njigba opened up about his time at Ohio State and how Day’s coaching has had a lasting impact on his career. He revealed that Day’s approach to the Michigan rivalry was different from previous coaches, and it helped take the pressure off of the players.
“Coach Day always told us to focus on the next game and not get too caught up in the rivalry with Michigan,” Smith-Njigba said. “He took the weight off our shoulders and allowed us to just go out there and play our game. That mindset really helped me as a player, and I think it’s one of the reasons why I’ve been able to have success at the next level.”
Smith-Njigba’s sentiments are echoed by many other former Ohio State players who have faced the same frustration of never beating Michigan. They all credit Day for changing the team’s mindset and helping them break the curse.
Day’s approach to the rivalry has certainly paid off for the Buckeyes, as they have now won nine consecutive games against Michigan. And for Smith-Njigba, seeing his former team continue their dominance over their rival is a source of pride.
“It’s great to see the Buckeyes continue to beat Michigan year after year,” Smith-Njigba said. “It’s a testament to the culture that Coach Day has built at Ohio State. He’s instilled a winning mentality in the team, and it’s something that I’ll always be grateful for.”
As Smith-Njigba prepares for the biggest game of his career, he can finally say that he has put the Michigan rivalry behind him. And he can do so with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he played a significant role in helping the Buckeyes maintain their dominance over their arch-nemesis.
In the end, it’s not just about winning or losing against Michigan. It’s about the lessons learned and the growth that comes from facing adversity. And for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, his time at Ohio State has taught him that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.
