Buckeyes visit Nationwide Children's Hospital

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Friday was an off day for the members of the Ohio State football team, so a bunch of Buckeyes did something good, which isn't anything unusual.

This program has a history of community service and charitable giving and today coach Urban Meyer and seven of his players spent more than an hour at Nationwide Children's Hospital passing out presents, taking photos, signing autographs and making kids and their parents smile.

Upwards of 30 children spent time in the Galaxy Lounge at Children's hanging out with senior captain and All-American Michael Bennett, consensus All-American Joey Bosa, 1,400-yard rusher Ezekiel Elliott, all-Big Ten senior cornerback Doran Grant, senior captain Jeff Heuerman, sophomore punter Cameron Johnston and freshman kicker Sean Nuernberger. They were spending time with the Buckeyes, that is, until some caught a glimpse of Brutus Buckeye, at which time many a bee-line was made toward the Athletic Department's star mascot.

It was a good day, for all. Meyer had his photo taken with virtually every child, parent and floor nurse in the room, including a couple with one-year-old daughter Rylee, who wouldn't part with her "binky." Bennett cradled a three-week-old baby -- Bayah -- in his massive arms. Grant and Heuerman clowned with giant teddy bears. Elliott made sure kids had multiple toys. Bosa towered over everyone. And the kickers chatted up a storm.

No one enjoys being in the hospital, but any time the Buckeyes show up, time seems to fly and things seem just a little better than perhaps they are. That certainly is a good thing, and it's a thought that was echoed on one young patient's shirt: "Good Vibes".

Doran Grant and Jeff Heuerman were among the Ohio State Buckeyes who visited Children's Hospital on their day off Friday.

Good vibes, indeed, were all around Nationwide Children's Hospital Friday. Good job, guys. Go Bucks.

**Ohio State athletics press release