The Columbus Aviators named former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver/special teams returner Ted Ginn Jr. as the team’s first head coach on Wednesday.
“Ted Ginn Jr. represents everything that is great about football in the Buckeye state,” said UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. “A proven winner, Ted combines a winning performance on the field and a deep knowledge of the game with tremendous pride for his home state. We look forward to Ted not only building the foundation of the Columbus Aviators, but also writing a new chapter in the history of Ohio football.”
Ted Ginn Jr. is 40 years old from Cleveland, Ohio. Collegiately, Ginn spent three seasons at Ohio State (2004-06) with 135 catches for 1,943 yards, 15 receiving touchdowns, 28 carries for 213 yards, three rushing touchdowns, 38 kick returns for 1,012 yards, two touchdowns, 64 punt returns for 900 yards, six touchdowns, completed 1 of 2 passes (50%) for 38 yards, one touchdown, and one tackle (1 solo) in 37 games.
He was named a three-time All-American, First Team All-Big Ten in 2006, and led the NCAA in average punt return yards in 2004.
“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” said Ginn. “When I heard that the United Football League was going to have a football team in Columbus, I wanted to be a part of creating a new winning tradition in this city that is such an important part of my life. I can’t wait to start building this team, and I ask football fans throughout the state to join the Aviators as they take flight.”
The Miami Dolphins drafted Ginn Jr. in the first round (7th pick) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and the Chicago Bears. He made 412 catches for 5,742 yards, 33 touchdowns, 68 carries for 486 yards, two rushing touchdowns, six tackles (6 solos), 262 punt returns for 2,624 yards, four touchdowns, 307 kick returns for 6,899 yards, and three touchdowns in 193 games, of which 83 were starts.
