Breaking News: Ohio State Buckeyes pay lifelong fan’s medical bills and gift three seasons of free tickets — “Once a Buckeye, you never fight alone”
COLUMBUS, OH — In an emotional story that has swept across Buckeye Nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes have once again shown that their sense of family extends far beyond the field. A lifelong fan, who was forced to sell his season tickets to pay for medical treatment, was moved to tears this week when the team announced it would cover all his medical expenses — and gift him free season tickets for the next three years.
It wasn’t a corporate gesture. It was something deeper, something personal — a reflection of the heart and loyalty that define the Buckeyes community.
The fan who never missed a game
For nearly five decades, Thomas “Tom” Reilly, 72, has been a familiar face in the scarlet and gray sea of Ohio Stadium. From the Woody Hayes era to Ryan Day’s modern dynasty, Reilly has seen it all. Rain, snow, heartbreak, or glory — he was always there, waving his Buckeyes flag and shouting “O-H!” louder than anyone around him.
But earlier this year, life took a difficult turn. Reilly was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that required extensive and expensive treatment. To afford the care, he had to make a painful choice — selling the season tickets that had been his family’s tradition since 1978.
“It broke my heart,” Reilly said, his voice trembling in a local interview. “The Buckeyes aren’t just a team to me. They’re a part of who I am. But I had no choice — I had to put my health first.”
A story that touched the Buckeye family
Reilly’s story first surfaced on social media after his granddaughter shared a post about his situation, describing how much the team meant to him. Within days, it spread like wildfire among fans — and eventually caught the attention of the Ohio State athletic department.
From there, things moved quickly. A spokesperson from the university confirmed that head coach Ryan Day, athletic director Gene Smith, and university president Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. all agreed that something had to be done.
“We saw a man who had given his heart to this program for decades,” said the spokesperson. “And we realized — this was our chance to give something back.”
A surprise that brought Ohio Stadium to tears
Last Saturday, before the Buckeyes’ home game, Reilly was invited to attend as an “honored guest.” Believing it was just a small recognition, he accepted without hesitation — wearing his faded No. 45 jersey from the Archie Griffin years.
But what happened next stunned everyone.
As the crowd of over 100,000 rose to its feet, Reilly was brought to midfield, where the announcer’s voice echoed through the speakers:
“Thomas Reilly, a Buckeye for life, has taught us what true loyalty means. Today, the Ohio State Buckeyes are proud to announce that his medical expenses will be fully covered by the program — and he’ll receive season tickets for the next three years, free of charge.”
For a moment, the stadium went silent. Then came the roar — a thunderous ovation that shook the stands. Reilly, visibly emotional, covered his face as tears streamed down. Players on the sideline clapped and pointed to him. Even Coach Ryan Day walked onto the field to embrace him.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Reilly said afterward. “All I ever did was cheer for them. I never imagined they’d cheer for me.”
“Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye”
In an official statement following the ceremony, the Buckeyes organization shared a powerful message that resonated deeply with fans nationwide:
“Thomas represents everything we love about Buckeye Nation — loyalty, spirit, and heart. We want him and every fan to know this: once you’re part of the Buckeyes family, you never fight alone.”
Head coach Ryan Day echoed that sentiment in his postgame press conference:
“It’s easy to talk about being a family, but today we had a chance to show it. Tom’s story reminds us what this program really stands for — not just winning games, but standing by our people.”
A wave of emotion across social media
As soon as the story broke, social media lit up. Within hours, the hashtag #BuckeyesFamily was trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, as fans and alumni shared messages of love and pride.
One user wrote:
“This is what makes Ohio State special. It’s not just about football — it’s about heart.”
Another commented:
“In a world that feels divided, the Buckeyes just reminded us what community means.”
Even former players chimed in. C.J. Stroud, now an NFL quarterback, reposted the clip on his story with the caption: “That’s what being a Buckeye for life means. Respect to Coach Day and the program.”
The legacy of loyalty
The Buckeyes have a long-standing reputation for community involvement and compassion. From charity fundraisers to youth mentorship programs, the team has always emphasized that its impact reaches beyond the gridiron.
But this act — personal, intimate, and deeply emotional — might be one of the most memorable gestures in recent memory.
Sports columnist David Miller of The Columbus Dispatch called it “a moment that redefines college sports.”
“In an era where college athletics is often dominated by NIL deals, transfers, and media contracts, Ohio State delivered something pure — a reminder of why sports matter in the first place.”
A message of hope
For Thomas Reilly, the gesture means more than just financial relief — it’s a second chance to live and to keep doing what he loves most: watching his Buckeyes play.
“I’m not sure how many more seasons I’ve got left,” he said softly. “But I’ll be in that stadium, screaming my lungs out, thanking God for every second. And every time I see that scarlet and gray, I’ll remember what they did for me.”
The Buckeye spirit lives on
As the team prepares for the rest of the season, this story has given the Buckeye Nation a reason to hold their heads a little higher. It’s a reminder that being part of this legacy isn’t just about records or rankings — it’s about family, faith, and the shared belief that no one stands alone.
And for one man, it’s proof that sometimes, the loudest cheers come not from the stands — but from the hearts of those who refuse to let one of their own fall behind.
Because in Columbus, one thing will always remain true:
Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.