Jack Sawyer may have become a legend around Columbus with his game-clinching, 83-yard fumble recovery touchdown against Texas on January 10, but his most profound impact extends far beyond the gridiron. On the biggest stage, just one step away from hoisting the national championship trophy, Sawyer played with a name scrawled across his wrist tape that embodied resilience, heart, and an unbreakable bond. While the defensive end’s 11.5 sacks and projected first-round NFL draft status make headlines, it’s his connection with a young boy that reveals the soul behind the star athlete.

It all started with a name—a shared one that sparked a connection between the Ohio State Buckeyes senior and a young cancer patient sharing his name, Jack B. Sawyer battling Ewing sarcoma. On ESPN College GameDay, the clip relived a heartwarming tale of how two Jack Sawyers came together to form a bond of a lifetime for the late Jack B. Sawyer. One thing you might have noticed on one of Sawyer’s armbands is the saying “JBS Strong,” which he’s worn for several games during the Buckeyes’ 2024-25 season. ESPN posted a video of why he did that on, “A letter from Jack Sawyer to Jack B. Sawyer ❤️.”

As ESPN’s Jen Lada narrated the emotional feature, Jack B. Sawyer’s fight against this rare bone cancer, Ewing sarcoma, captured the hearts of the Buckeyes, none more so than Sawyer himself. A handwritten letter from the senior Buckeye marked the beginning of a relationship rooted in mutual admiration and hope. “To Jack Sawyer, how’s it going? You got a pretty sweet name, I see, haha! Just wanted to say you’re an inspiration to me and all my teammates. Keep fighting. I’m praying and looking forward to seeing you ring the bell. Go Bucks! Sincerely, Jack,” he wrote.

As the months went by, their bond grew stronger. The elder Sawyer stayed in touch with the younger Jack and his family. In October, Jack B. Sawyer’s condition worsened. Yet despite his battle with cancer, he found a moment of strength to speak with the Ohio State star via FaceTime. It was a lifeline of encouragement for a young boy who shared his name and hailed from the same state. “He was really sick,” Sawyer recounted with visible emotion in the interview. “He got the strength to get up and talk to me for a couple of minutes, and it gets me emotional thinking about it because we’re from the same state. He’s got the same name as me, and knowing that definitely made our connection more special.”

That call left an indelible mark on the defensive end, who found himself sitting in the locker room before a crucial game, reflecting on the courage of his younger namesake. It was then that inspiration struck, and Sawyer scrawled “JBS Strong” on his wrist tape—a silent, powerful tribute to the boy who had touched his heart. “I was sitting there in the locker room before the game, thinking about him, and I decided to write ‘JBS Strong’ on my wrist tape,” Sawyer said. “I wanted him to know that he was with me out there.”

The impact of that gesture rippled beyond the field. Every time Jack Sawyer raised his arms or charged through the opposing line, the tape bore witness to the connection between two Jack Sawyers—one fighting for championships and the other fighting for his life.

Unfortunately, Jack B. Sawyer passed away in 2023, a loss that weighed heavily on the Ohio State star. The bond they had formed, brief yet profound, left Sawyer with a renewed sense of purpose both on and off the field. In the national championship game against Notre Dame, Sawyer’s performance was as dominant as ever, but the memory of Jack B. Sawyer was there with every snap, every tackle, and every victory.

#33 and the Bucks went on and claimed their first national championship since the 2014-15 season, for Jack B. Sawyer.

Why Jack Sawyer is ‘JBS Strong’?

Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer carries a meaningful tribute every time he steps on the field. Their connection, though brief, left an indelible mark on both families.

During Jack B. Sawyer’s fight, Sawyer sent him a care package, including his jersey, as a gesture of encouragement. The two shared more than just a name; they shared an inspiring bond rooted in strength and perseverance. After young Jack’s passing, Sawyer continues to wear the armband with “JBS Strong” scrawled across it—a powerful reminder of the young boy’s courage. Last June, at a JBS Strong golf tournament, Sawyer met Jack B.’s parents for the first time. The encounter was emotional. JB’s parents told Sawyer how much it meant to their son to see his name on the armband as he cheered for the Buckeyes.

According to Sawyer’s father, the defensive end shared a heartfelt revelation. “He said, ‘Mr. Sawyer, your son was a hero of mine. When I’m on the field and I feel like I have nothing left to give, I think about Jack. If he could push through his treatments, I can push through, too.’” Swayer’s father said via The Columbus Dispatch. From now on, there won’t be a game where his legacy will not be felt, even in the NFL.