LeBron James is giving away custom sneakers to Ohio State football players ahead of the much-anticipated Big Ten showdown between Ohio State and Penn State.
The Akron, Ohio, native has been rooting for the Buckeyes. In a 2013 interview with Cleveland.com, the four-time NBA champion discussed the possibility of attending Ohio State before eventually entering the pro level straight out of high school.
“I promise, I’ve always said this – if I had gone to college for a year, I would have been here,” James said. “No matter where I go in the world, no matter where I am, I will always rock Ohio State colors.”
The 38-year-old provided players with personalized Beats Studio3 wireless headphones before last season’s game against Wisconsin, and then custom sneakers before a game against Michigan about two months later.
James’ son Bryce, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025, visited Ohio State in early October to watch the team’s 37-17 win over Maryland. He then met with men’s basketball head coach Chris Holtmann and was eventually offered a scholarship.
Donning James’ talented shoes, the Buckeyes will attempt to defeat the Nittany Lions for a spot in the conference standings and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff.