Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate marked an emotional return to his native Chicago with two touchdowns in their win over Northwestern on Saturday.
Tate, whose mother Ashely Griggs was killed in a drive-by shooting in his home city last year, helped the Buckeyes claim a resounding 31-7 victory after following up a diving 25-yard touchdown reception late in the first half with an eight-yard score in the third quarter.
‘The biggest thing was me playing in front of my family and all that,’ said the 19-year-old. ‘They expected a lot with me coming back home. They wanted me to put on a show, but I just had to wait and see if the ball [came] my way.’
Griggs was fatally shot early on Sunday July 16, 2023, in the Garfield Park neighborhood of the Windy City’s West Side.
After she was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, the 40-year-old died of her wounds before being identified as Tate’s mother.
Four other people, a woman and three men aged 32 to 42, also sustained injuries in the shooting, which took place during a high school reunion. Three men were charged.
Tate, who is currently in his second year at Ohio State, has seen his role in the team increase this season as a third option behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.
The sophomore has recorded has three or more catches in seven games so far in 2024.
‘The people who know Carnell care a lot about him,’ Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said.
‘The way that he’s handled himself is just an example to everybody. To see him get two touchdown passes in his hometown… I know it means a lot to him, but also means a lot to us, and I’m really happy for him.’
Quarterback Will Howard also added: ‘So proud of that kid, man. Given all he’s been through, I don’t say it a lot to him, but he’s one of my favorite guys on the team. Seeing him every single day, he just lifts my mood.
‘For him to have the game he had, here in his home city, in this stadium, I couldn’t be happier.’
