'From booed to blessed': Former Ohio State super star describes difficult NFL journey after early adversity
If you grew up in the 2000s and were an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, then Ted Ginn Jr. was likely one of your all-time favorite playmakers. The speedster created big plays out of nowhere, and his incredible knack for clutch moments for a team that had become a major national power was one of the […]
If you grew up in the 2000s and were an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, then Ted Ginn Jr. was likely one of your all-time favorite playmakers. The speedster created big plays out of nowhere, and his incredible knack for clutch moments for a team that had become a major national power was one of the defining tenures for the era.
Ginn was drafted much higher than most expected, and the Miami Dolphins took the Buckeyes receiver ahead of Brady Quinn. Dolphins fans booed, and Ginn eventually found greener pastures throughout his professional career.
This week, Ginn joined former Dolphins great OJ McDuffie and host Seth Levit on The Fish Tank podcast to talk about his journey as an Ohio State hero to an NFL pariah, then beloved figure again.
"You're selected in certain situations at certain times. I was grateful. You know, they didn't like it, nobody liked it; I got booed! I got talked about. People were looking at me when I'm coming in the locker room like why we get him? He hurt already."
Ginn proceeded to talk about how he won over the Dolphins' locker room despite initially being questioned by his teammates. While it wasn't a good experience, he said his work ethic and personality won out.
"I didn't back down. I came in with my chest out high, you know, I knew I was talented, I knew I was good…I changed their mind quickly once they started seeing how I was on and off the field."
Ginn Jr., born April 12, 1985, in Cleveland, Ohio, carved out a notable career in American football as a wide receiver and return specialist, known for his blazing speed and versatility. His journey began at Glenville High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, particularly in football, earning All-American honors. Ginn’s speed, clocked at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash, made him a standout prospect.
At Ohio State University from 2004 to 2006, Ginn showcased his dynamic playmaking. As a freshman, he contributed as a receiver and returner, earning All-Big Ten honors. His sophomore and junior years saw him become a key offensive weapon, amassing 125 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons.
His return skills were equally impressive, with four punt return touchdowns, including a memorable 60-yard score against Michigan in 2006. Ginn’s college success led him to declare for the 2007 NFL Draft.
Selected ninth overall by the Miami Dolphins, Ginn’s professional career spanned 14 seasons (2007–2020) across six teams: the Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. His NFL tenure was defined by his role as a return specialist and complementary receiver.
Over 193 games, he recorded 412 receptions for 5,742 yards and 33 touchdowns. His return stats were equally notable, with 307 punt returns for 2,600 yards and four touchdowns, plus 257 kickoff returns for 5,791 yards and two scores. Ginn’s standout NFL moment came with the 49ers in 2011, when he returned a kickoff and punt for touchdowns in the same game against Seattle.
Despite early criticism for inconsistent hands, Ginn’s longevity stemmed from his elite speed and adaptability. He played a key role in the Panthers’ 2015 Super Bowl run, contributing 10 touchdown catches.
Retiring after the 2020 season, Ginn left a legacy as one of the NFL’s premier return specialists and a reliable deep threat, leveraging his track-star speed to impact games in multiple facets.
