Former Ohio State quarterback and national champion Cardale Jones has slammed anti-Israel protests at his alma mater. He argued that the protesters’ actions were not representative of “The Ohio State University,” which he attended.
Videos of protesters at Ohio State University and other college campuses across the country flooded the internet this weekend as campus activists stepped up anti-Israel and pro-Hamas demonstrations.
Influencer Ori London posted a video in which protesters can be heard shouting “Zionists must go!” Jones captioned the post, making it clear that the protesters do not represent all of Ohio State.
“This is not the Ohio State University I attended,” Jones wrote. “I could never understand how one person or group could harbor so much hatred towards another. I hope that such actions and actions are dealt with appropriately and that everyone lives in peace and dignity.” As always, I hope you have and enjoy Buckeye safely. #Gobucks”
This is not the Ohio State University I attended. I could never understand how someone, or a group of people, could harbor so much hatred towards another person. We hope that these actions and behaviors are appropriately addressed and that everyone can enjoy Buckeye in peace, pride, and safety.As usual #Gobucks https://t.co/kfoaVA3SKj
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) April 20, 2024
While images of angry campus protesters are common on social media, the thoughts and views of those who support peace and respect are less common. In this sense, Jones’ message of peaceful understanding stands out from other messages.
Jones gained national notoriety in 2014 when he became Ohio State’s third quarterback due to injuries. Undaunted, he took the reins and led the Buckeyes to their first College Football Playoff championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes No. 12 quarterback Cardale Jones celebrates after defeating the Oregon Ducks 42-20 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 12, 2015 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Cleveland product followed up his national championship season with another strong performance before leaving Ohio State for the NFL after his junior year. The Bills selected Jones in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Jones eventually landed in the XFL and became the starting QB for the DC Defenders.
