In a move that has raised more than a few eyebrows, former Ohio State running back Mike Weber has decided to return to the heart of Ohio, setting up shop in a new location—Buckeye Breakfast. The question on everyone’s lips: is this the start of a new era in college football, or a blatant money grab and betrayal of OSU’s rich football culture?
A Bit of History
Mike Weber, the standout running back who played for the Buckeyes from 2015-2017, made a name for himself in the college football world, running for over 2,400 yards and 24 touchdowns during his time in Columbus. A future NFL hopeful at the time, Weber’s decision to declare early for the 2019 NFL Draft sent waves through the Ohio State community. While he was not selected in the draft, he still found his way to a professional career, bouncing around the league and practice squads.
The Buckeye Breakfast Controversy
Now, Weber is back in the Buckeye state—but not as an Ohio State player. He has reportedly launched Buckeye Breakfast, a restaurant catering to fans of the Scarlet and Gray, capitalizing on the Buckeyes’ iconic status. While that might seem harmless at first, the move has raised some serious questions.
Why start a business now, and why so close to Ohio State’s backyard? Some critics argue this is an opportunistic move that takes advantage of OSU’s fanbase and its culture, without giving anything back to the program. Weber’s decision to leave for the NFL and pursue his personal goals, despite promising performances on the field, left a lingering feeling of “unfinished business” for many die-hard Buckeye fans. Does this restaurant represent a desperate attempt to regain relevance in a state where college football reigns supreme, or is it a genuine desire to stay connected to his roots?
Questions of Loyalty
One of the most contentious aspects of Weber’s return is the question of loyalty. College football is a sport where commitment is celebrated—fans and players alike embrace the idea of “doing it for the team.” But Weber’s quick exit to the NFL, even before maximizing his potential at Ohio State, left some fans questioning his dedication to the Buckeyes. His time in the NFL was lackluster at best, and now, to return to Columbus with a business venture feels, to some, like a cash grab rather than a genuine effort to reinvest in the community that helped him get his start.
Does Weber Owe Ohio State Anything?
The debate deepens when you consider whether Weber owes anything to Ohio State. College athletes have long been criticized for their perceived exploitation by universities and the NCAA. With name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals now providing financial opportunities for athletes, Weber’s entrepreneurial journey seems to follow a broader trend of former players monetizing their college affiliations. Is Weber simply taking advantage of a changing landscape? Or is his return to Ohio indicative of a deeper sense of loyalty, perhaps one that manifests in a more capitalist manner?
A Symbol of Changing Times?
In some ways, Mike Weber’s business venture may reflect the modern-day reality of college football. The line between college athletes and professionals has become increasingly blurred, with former players often seeking to leverage their fame and recognition long after graduation. Weber’s attempt to capitalize on his Ohio State legacy may be viewed as part of a larger trend that’s both exciting and unsettling.
Buckeye Breakfast is clearly a nod to Ohio State’s dominance and the state’s love for the Buckeyes. But whether it will gain the traction Weber hopes for, or if it will be seen as another example of the commercialization of college sports, remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Change in the Air?
Whether or not you agree with Mike Weber’s decision to return to Ohio and open Buckeye Breakfast, one thing is certain: the dynamics of college football are shifting. With NIL deals, business ventures, and shifting allegiances, we may be witnessing a new era where former players continue to profit off of their college days, in ways we never expected. The questions surrounding loyalty, authenticity, and capitalistic motives will only grow in intensity, especially as more athletes from powerhouse programs follow suit.
In the end, the true test for Mike Weber may be whether his new business can thrive in a city that holds college football to the highest standards—or if his Buckeye Breakfast will be nothing more than a short-lived franchise in the shadow of the scarlet and gray.