Tate Shines in Emotional Chicago Homecoming for Ohio State \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate turned an emotional homecoming into a memorable performance, scoring two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 31-7 victory over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Playing in his hometown of Chicago for the first time since the tragic death of his mother in 2023, Tate delivered a standout game in front of more than 30 family members and friends. His resilience and determination were praised by teammates and coaches, making this one of the most poignant moments of Ohio State’s season.
Carnell Tate’s Homecoming: Quick Looks
- Game Recap: Tate helped No. 2 Ohio State secure a decisive 31-7 win over Northwestern with two touchdowns.
- Hometown Return: It marked Tate’s first game in Chicago since high school and since his mother’s death in 2023.
- Family Support: More than 30 family members and friends, including his father, grandmother, and sister, were in attendance.
- Performance Highlights: Tate finished with four catches for 52 yards, including two touchdowns and a critical 14-yard grab.
- Coach’s Praise: Ohio State coach Ryan Day commended Tate for his resilience and leadership.
- Teammates’ Support: Quarterback Will Howard expressed pride in Tate’s performance, calling him a key morale booster for the team.
Deep Look
A Day of Emotion and Resilience
This game carried special significance for Tate. It was his first time playing in his hometown since his mother, Ashley Griggs, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in July 2023. The loss of his mother has weighed heavily on Tate, but he has used football as an outlet for his emotions and a way to honor her memory.
“It was a lot of high emotion and stuff like that, but I had to manage it,” Tate said after the game. “It means a lot to me playing back in my city, especially my first time being back since my freshman year of high school, and especially being able to play in front of all my family and friends.”
Tate’s supporters included his father, grandmother, sister, and more than 30 family members and friends, all of whom cheered loudly from the stands at Wrigley Field. For Tate, the day was about more than football—it was about representing his family, his late mother, and the city that shaped him.
Rising to the Occasion
“It’s one of those plays where you just trust your receiver to make it happen,” Howard said. “And Carnell, he’s that guy. He’s always that guy.”
Tate’s second touchdown came early in the third quarter, capping a five-play, 90-yard drive. On an 8-yard reception, Tate found space in the defense and hauled in the pass to push Ohio State’s lead to 28-7. Earlier in the game, he made a crucial 14-yard catch over the middle, setting up the Buckeyes’ first touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
“They expected a lot just coming back home. So they wanted me to put on a show,” a smiling Tate said of his family and friends in attendance. “It worked out pretty well.”
A Coach and Teammates Who Believe
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised Tate’s ability to handle the emotional weight of the game while delivering on the field.
Quarterback Will Howard also highlighted Tate’s impact on the team, both on and off the field. “I don’t say it a lot to him, but he’s one of my favorite guys on the team,” Howard said. “Just seeing him every single day, he just lifts my mood. And for him to have the game that he had here in his home city in this stadium, I couldn’t be happier.”
Chicago Roots and Football Journey
Tate’s connection to Chicago runs deep. Growing up in the city, he played one year of high school football at Marist High School, located about 25 miles south of Wrigley Field. His talent was evident early on, and he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida to further develop his skills against top-tier competition.
More Than a Game
For Tate, Saturday’s game wasn’t just about winning—it was about resilience, family, and honoring his late mother. His performance served as a testament to his strength and ability to rise above personal tragedy. The cheers from the stands, the praise from his teammates, and the satisfaction of scoring two touchdowns in front of his family made the day unforgettable.
“This game meant so much to me,” Tate said. “Just to be back in my city, to have my family here, and to be able to perform the way I did—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
As the Buckeyes push forward in their season, Tate’s story stands as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the strength that comes from honoring those we’ve lost.
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