In a Fumble for the Ages, Ohio State’s Trophy Presentation Takes an Unexpected Turn
In a moment that will certainly be talked about in Ohio for years to come, Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the White House to celebrate the Ohio State football team’s national championship was punctuated by an unfortunate slip—quite literally.
After a series of inspirational speeches delivered by President Donald Trump, head coach Ryan Day, and Vance himself on the South Lawn, the vice president, a proud Ohio State alumnus, made an attempt to raise the coveted championship trophy high above his head. What he didn’t anticipate, though, was the unique design of the trophy, featuring a golden top that was not securely affixed to its black base.
As Vance struggled briefly with the trophy, the two pieces separated just as he lost his grip. The gleaming football-shaped top tumbled into the hands of OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson, standing close behind. Meanwhile, the base of the trophy took a tumble, rolling away and causing quite a stir among the players and onlookers. You could almost hear the collective gasps echo against the backdrop of the United States Marine Corps Band, which continued to play “We Are the Champions,” producing a curious juxtaposition of music and mishap.
Fortunately, Henderson and Coach Day quickly came to the vice president’s aid, helping him put the trophy back together. In a light-hearted end to the incident, Vance was seen cradling just the top of the trophy in his arms, eliciting chuckles from the bemused players gathered around him.
As the humorous mishap made its rounds on social media, Vance took to X to provide a light-hearted spin on the fumble, joking, “I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it.”
In a tone meant for celebration, Trump also lauded the Buckeyes, highlighting the team’s resilience in overcoming challenges throughout the season, including an upset loss to a previously unranked Michigan team. With a wink, he almost hesitated to acknowledge the fourth consecutive defeat to their biggest rival but refrained, playfully stating, “we won’t talk about it.”
In a final touch of humor, Vance added to the fun by pointing out a Michigan fan in the crowd, declaring, “I don’t know who let the guy over in the corner here, in a Michigan hat, into this celebration, but I’m about to tell the Secret Service, ‘You’ve got a dangerous weapon, sir.'”
Despite the fumble, the spirit of celebration for the Ohio State Buckeyes remained unshaken. This incident is just a reminder that in sports, as in life, even the most monumental occasions can have their share of unexpected moments—making the memories all the sweeter.
