It’s a tradition that started when the NCAA allowed the number “0” to be worn in college football back in 2020. Former Ohio State defensive end Jonathon Cooper was the first to start this new tradition that honors former OSU player Bill Willis, a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in the NFL.
Willis wore No. 99, but the Buckeye program took the opportunity to recognize the importance of Willis with the new Block 0 jersey. Last year’s wearer of the jersey was offensive lineman Thayer Munford, though he could not wear it in games because of NCAA rules that only allow offensive linemen to wear numbers between 50-79.
