The news summary is compelling: “Arvelle Reese was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round, fifth overall, in the recent 2026 NFL Draft.” The reality is more complicated for the standout Ohio State linebacker.
Consider that…
- His mother had a life-altering stroke while watching Reese’s older brother play football.
- Just before he was incarcerated, Reese’s father made his mother promise not to let his sons give up on football. Reese was five at the time.
- A year later, his oldest brother was murdered.
Fortunately, a community materialized around Reese. His mother mostly recovered and built structure and support around him and dozens of other kids. But as he got older, he started to drift. Then, help arrived in the form of Hall of Fame football coach, Ted Ginn Sr. in Cleveland’s Glenville High.
Initially, Ginn didn’t talk to Reese about football. “I talked to him about life,” Ginn said, telling his prospect that “No one is coming on a white horse to save you. You have to take responsibility for your life.”
Reese committed, his grades improved, and Glenville’s first state title was followed by a scholarship offer to Ohio State where he excelled on and off the field. He finished a three-year career with the Buckeyes by earning consensus All-American honors.
“If it wasn’t for my mother and Coach Ginn, I don’t know where I’d be,” Reese said. “If it wasn’t for Ginn, I wouldn’t have gone to college. I owe him everything.”
Coaches, mothers, fathers, and community matter in the game of life. Sport Fuels Life salutes all of you!
