As has been the case for at least a decade, winning a national championship has its presidential privileges.
Monday afternoon, Ohio State became the latest college sports team to be feted at the White House, with President Barack Obama hosting the Buckeyes three months after OSU claimed the first-ever College Football Playoff title. OSU is actually the first college football team since Alabama in 2013 to visit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as Florida State was unable to manage a trip to D.C. last year to celebrate the Seminoles’ 2013 title.
This visit marked Urban Meyer‘s third, with the first two coming while he was the head coach at Florida. Meyer was hosted by George W. Bush following the Gators’ first title in 2006, then by Obama following the second one for the 2008 season.
As for this trip, the President hit on several notes surrounding the Buckeyes, mentioning defensive end Joey Bosa‘s now-famous shoulder shrug as well as his newly-shorn locks; thanked running back Ezekiel Elliott for tucking in his shirt, with the preseason Heisman contender asking the POTUS for a little help with the recent rule change on crop-top jerseys; referred to Michigan as “a certain team up North;" and made mention of title-winning quarterback Cardale Jones‘ “12-gauge” nickname.
I'm Just Saying, President Obama asked how was my daughter Chloe AND called me 12Gauge, no big deal
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) April 20, 2015
Wisely, the President didn’t wade into who should start at quarterback for the Buckeyes this upcoming season. One member of the Buckeyes, though, did have a little fun at the POTUS’ expense.
In a moment befitting a visit to the highest executive office in the United States. #BunnyEarsOnThePresident pic.twitter.com/1V8DX0rrj2
— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) April 20, 2015
The President was given a game ball and jersey by the football program. He was also introduced to a pair of Buckeye legends, Cris Carter and the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin.
First look at Ohio State's gifts for the President. pic.twitter.com/7sqfyoyWAM
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 20, 2015
Cris Carter looked like he was going to hyperventilate. Here he is with the President and Archie Griffin. pic.twitter.com/1um77rqSdG
— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) April 20, 2015
