The United Football League is planting new roots in Ohio’s capital, and they’re doing it with a name that carries serious weight in Buckeye country. The Columbus Aviators, set to begin play next year, have tapped former Ohio State standout and longtime NFL veteran Ted Ginn Jr. as the franchise’s first head coach.
For a city with deep football traditions but a rocky history when it comes to sustaining pro teams, this move feels like more than just a headline grab-it’s a strategic play to connect with the heart of the Columbus football community. Ginn isn’t just another former player stepping into a coaching role. He’s a local legend, a product of Ohio’s football pipeline who made his name as one of the most electrifying return men in college football history before carving out a 14-year NFL career across six teams.
“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” Ginn said in the team’s announcement. “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.”
That last line? It’s more than just a catchy metaphor.
Ginn understands the assignment. He’s not just building a roster-he’s building a brand, a culture, and a connection to the city that raised him.
And let’s not forget the legacy behind the name. Ginn’s father, Ted Ginn Sr., is a titan in Ohio high school football.
As the longtime head coach at Cleveland Glenville High School, he’s built a powerhouse program and brought home three state championships. If anyone knows how to mold young talent and build a team from the ground up, it’s someone who’s grown up in that environment.
Columbus has flirted with professional football before, but the results have been fleeting. From the Columbus Tigers, who folded after the 1926 NFL season, to the Ohio Glory of the World League of American Football, which lasted just one winless campaign, the city hasn’t been able to sustain a pro presence. But this feels different.
By bringing in a figure like Ginn-someone who’s not only a household name in Ohio but also deeply connected to the community-the Aviators are taking a smart first step. They're not just launching a team; they’re tapping into the state’s football DNA.
There’s still a long way to go. Building a competitive roster, establishing a fan base, and delivering a product that resonates on and off the field will take time. But with Ginn at the helm, the Aviators are already flying in the right direction.