A moment of honor for a man who changed more than games

When TIME Magazine announced its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports, one name stood out—not because of controversy, scandal, or viral fame, but because of consistent greatness built on leadership, integrity, and compassion.

That name is Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, a man whose influence reaches far beyond the boundaries of the football field. For Day, success has never been measured solely by trophies, rankings, or statistics. It’s about the lives he touches, the values he builds, and the example he sets for an entire generation of athletes and fans.

As the news broke, messages of respect and admiration poured in from across the sports world. From former players to fellow coaches, from journalists to community leaders, the sentiment was unanimous — Ryan Day isn’t just building teams; he’s building people.

The making of a modern leader

In an era where the spotlight on college football burns brighter — and harsher — than ever, Ryan Day has found a way to remain both fiercely competitive and deeply human. Since taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, he has guided the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten titles, College Football Playoff appearances, and one of the highest winning percentages in the sport.

But those numbers tell only part of the story.

Day’s leadership is defined not just by his playbook but by his principles. He’s known for blending innovation and empathy — a coach who can inspire locker rooms as easily as he can outsmart defensive coordinators. Under his watch, Ohio State has become more than a powerhouse; it’s become a model for how discipline, unity, and mental resilience can coexist at the highest levels of sport.

What sets Ryan Day apart is his unwavering commitment to emotional intelligence. He often speaks openly about mental health — a subject still considered taboo in competitive athletics. His courage to share his own family’s struggles, and his advocacy for mental wellness, has shifted how athletes and coaches nationwide approach the pressures of performance.

“Leadership,” Day once said, “isn’t about power. It’s about empathy, patience, and trust. If you build people first, success follows naturally.”

Beyond football: The heart of a humanitarian

Ryan Day’s influence doesn’t end when the stadium lights go out. Together with his wife, Nina Day, he co-founded the Ryan and Nina Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The initiative focuses on early intervention, awareness, and expanding access to mental health care for young people — an issue deeply personal to both of them.

Since its launch, the fund has raised millions of dollars, funding new facilities, research programs, and community outreach efforts. To the Days, this is more than philanthropy — it’s a mission.

“If football can give us a platform to save lives, then that’s the real win,” Ryan once said during a press conference. That statement perfectly captures who he is: a competitor whose greatest victories happen off the field.

His charitable efforts extend beyond mental health. Day and his team frequently volunteer in local schools, host leadership workshops for underprivileged youth, and partner with community organizations to promote education and empowerment.

To many, this commitment to giving back is what earned him a spot on TIME’s prestigious list. As one journalist noted, “Ryan Day doesn’t just coach football players — he coaches human beings to believe in something bigger than themselves.”

Shaping the next generation

For the athletes under his guidance, Ryan Day has become more than a coach. He’s a mentor, a role model, and often, a father figure. Former Buckeyes describe him as someone who “never stops believing in you, even when you stop believing in yourself.”

His coaching philosophy is built around one idea: “The team, the team, the team.” Every success, every setback, every lesson learned — it’s all shared. In a sport that often glorifies individual heroics, Day’s approach reminds everyone that greatness is collective.

And yet, his competitive fire remains unmatched. He is relentless in preparation, analytical in execution, and fearless in decision-making. Those who know him best say he has “the calm of a monk and the mind of a chess master.” It’s that blend of intellect and intensity that has turned Ohio State into one of the most consistent programs in the country.

A symbol of what sports should stand for

In recognizing Ryan Day, TIME has done more than highlight a successful coach — it has spotlighted what modern leadership looks like. In a sporting landscape often clouded by ego, money, and controversy, Day represents the rare mix of character and competence.

He’s proof that you can win with integrity. That you can lead with compassion. That you can be both fierce and kind — a competitor and a caretaker.

The world of sports is filled with moments that make headlines, but few that truly make history. This one does. Because Ryan Day’s influence cannot be measured by a scoreboard; it’s measured by the countless lives he’s inspired to be stronger, braver, and better.

Final thoughts

As TIME Magazine celebrates its 100 most influential figures in sports, Ryan Day’s name shines as a reminder that leadership is not just about victories — it’s about values. He’s the embodiment of the idea that greatness is not defined by the games we win, but by the lives we touch along the way.

And as the Buckeyes continue their chase for championships, their coach continues to chase something even greater — a legacy of purpose, compassion, and change.

In an age desperate for genuine heroes, Ryan Day stands tall as one of the few who truly deserve the title.