Under the crisp autumn lights of Ohio Stadium, freshman quarterback Julian Sayin laced up his cleats in silence.
Around him, his Ohio State teammates blasted music, cracked jokes, and ran pregame warmups. But Sayin had his headphones in — and the song playing wasn’t rap or rock.
It was “Coat of Many Colors” — Dolly Parton’s timeless ballad about love, faith, and humble beginnings.
As the final note faded, Sayin closed his eyes and whispered:
“She sang for the world. Now I’ll fight for her.”
He then strapped on a custom scarlet armband embroidered in gold thread, bearing just three simple words:
“For Dolly.”
THE LEGEND WHO TAUGHT HIM TO BELIEVE
Earlier this week, headlines across America broke hearts and stirred prayers:
“Dolly Parton’s sister reveals the country music icon isn’t doing well and is asking for prayers.”
For millions, it was sad news.
For Julian Sayin, it hit like a lightning bolt.
Growing up in Carlsbad, California, Sayin’s world was small — his family modest. His mother, Andrea, juggled two jobs and often kept the TV running while she cooked and cleaned. Most nights, it played reruns of Dolly Parton concerts or interviews.
“I didn’t always get the lyrics,” Sayin said. “But I understood the soul behind them.”
When his mom sang along to “9 to 5” while folding laundry at midnight, he saw grit in harmony.
When Dolly sang about turning hardship into hope, he heard purpose.
“She made me believe that no matter where you start, you can still bring light to people,” Sayin said.
“That’s always stayed with me — even now.”
THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
On Tuesday, just hours after learning of Dolly’s declining health, Sayin sat quietly in the Buckeyes’ locker room.
He pulled out a sharpie and slowly wrote five letters on his white practice wristband:
D O L L Y
When asked about it by a teammate, he simply said:
“It’s for the woman who taught me to dream big and stay grounded.”
That night, he told local reporters that he would dedicate Saturday’s game to Dolly Parton, promising to “play like every yard could heal a piece of her heart.”
FROM LOCKER ROOM TO LEGENDARY
On Wednesday morning, Sayin revealed the final version of his armband — scarlet with gold lettering, stitched with a small heart beside her name.
Within hours, #PlayForDolly was trending across NCAA football fan pages.
Even country music stars and fellow college athletes shared the tribute.
Country icon Carrie Underwood tweeted:
“She sang to lift us up. He’s playing to return that love. That’s faith in action.”
Former Buckeyes QB CJ Stroud reposted it, adding:
“This is why we love college football. Heart over hype.”
DOLLY RESPONDS
Late Wednesday night, Dolly Parton posted a message from her verified X (Twitter) account:
“I don’t know him personally, but I sure know his heart.
Keep shining, sweetheart. I’ll be cheering from my bed.”
Minutes later, Julian replied:
“Every snap. Every throw. This one’s for you, Ms. Dolly.”
The post blew up — 3.2 million views by sunrise.
The NCAA shared it on their official page with the caption:
“Her voice lit the world. Now his game carries her spirit.”
BEYOND THE GAME
But Sayin didn’t stop at symbolism.
On Thursday, he announced he would donate $500 for every passing yard in Saturday’s game to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, her foundation that delivers free books to children across the globe.
Ohio State boosters and alumni immediately stepped in to match it.
Even rival schools began to share links to the donation page.
“She’s done more for people’s souls than any song ever could,” Sayin said.
“This is the least I can do.”
He also revealed plans — through his NIL team — to launch a new charity initiative called “The Dolly Drive”, focusing on funding creative therapy for hospitalized children across Tennessee and Ohio.
THE LOCKER ROOM’S REACTION
Inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Sayin’s quiet gesture has sparked something bigger than football.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said:
“We talk about playing for purpose. That’s exactly what he’s doing.”
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly added:
“Some kids play with pressure. Some play with purpose.
Julian? He’s found both — and he’s using it the right way.”
Even Head Coach Ryan Day was emotional when asked about Sayin’s tribute:
“We coach toughness, we coach execution… but this?
This is heart. This is the kind of story that reminds us why we love this game.”
SATURDAY’S MISSION
This weekend, as Ohio State prepares to take the field in front of over 100,000 fans, Sayin won’t just be leading his team.
He’ll be carrying a message.
Before kickoff, he says he’ll take a moment in the tunnel, touch the armband, and look skyward.
“I won’t pray for touchdowns,” he said.
“I’ll pray for her peace — because her songs gave peace to people like me.”
When asked what he’ll do if he scores or leads a winning drive, Sayin didn’t hesitate:
“No celebration. I’ll just point up.”
AFTER THE WHISTLE
After the game — win or lose — Julian Sayin plans to auction the armband and donate 100% of proceeds to Dolly’s foundation.
“If my name can help keep hers alive in the hearts of the next generation — then that’s the real win.”
And with that, a freshman quarterback from Carlsbad may have just written the most touching storyline of the NCAA season.
Because in a world full of stats, scores, and trophies, some athletes play for something deeper.
Julian Sayin doesn’t just want to win.
He wants to give back to the voice that once told him it was okay to dream.
“She sang for the world,” he said softly before leaving the press room.
“Now, I’ll fight for her.”
