Eric Boggs
I don’t know too many individuals who can argue that they are bigger Ohio State fans than I am. I have seen pictures of people’s Ohio State-themed rooms, basements, bars, and houses. Mine would stack up with any of them. I know people who love Ohio State so much that they started podcasts, YouTube channels, and even webpages dedicated to their love of the Buckeyes. Check, check, and check. Some people even love Ohio State so much that they are willing to not only pay for season tickets, but also donate their hard-earned money to the collective organizations in order to see their favorite University get the best talent available. Guilty as charged. But no one, and I mean no one, loves Ohio State as much as Jacob Jarvis.
Former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer always sought to positively impact those who are struggling physically. During the Buckeyes’ 2014 championship run, Coach Meyer and the team included a young Jarvis, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, in their journey to the title. He attended practices, games, and experienced the traditions of Ohio State football up close.
When the Buckeyes secured the inaugural College Football Playoff title, Jarvis was there to celebrate with the team, even hoisting the trophy. Meyer has given him the game ball and named him an honorary captain. In a particularly touching moment, Jarvis scored a touchdown in the 2017 Spring Game, a gesture suggested by senior defensive linemen Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes and embraced by Meyer. “We love Jacob. He’s a part of our family,” Meyer said.
Jacob’s involvement with the team highlights the deeper significance of sports beyond wins and losses. It underscores the power of sports to transform lives and create enduring bonds. Jarvis, now in his 20’s, has become an integral part of the Ohio State football family, providing inspiration and joy to players and fans alike.
Recently, Jacob has faced significant health challenges related to his Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, particularly affecting his respiratory and pulmonary systems. He has been in Children’s Hospital for several weeks, bravely fighting through these complications. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with many stepping up to help his family manage the expenses of his extended hospital stay.
Jacob Jarvis’s story is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community. His courage and unwavering spirit have made him a beloved figure in the Ohio State Buckeye community, arguably making him the biggest Buckeye fan on the planet.
