In a city gripped by gun violence, one native son returned home to find solace on the football field. Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, playing his first collegiate game in Chicago since tragically losing his mother, delivered a memorable two-touchdown performance to lead the No. 2 Buckeyes to a 31-7 victory over Northwestern at the iconic Wrigley Field.
An Emotional Homecoming
For Tate, this was more than just another road game. The sophomore wide receiver grew up on Chicago’s West Side, where his mother Ashley Griggs was senselessly killed in July 2023 during a drive-by shooting at her high school reunion. With his father, sister, grandmother and 30-40 other family members watching from the Wrigley Field stands, Tate knew he had to put on a show.
“They expected a lot with me coming back home. They wanted me to put on a show,” Tate said after the game, fighting back tears. “I just had to wait and see if the ball came my way.”
A Diving Touchdown Grab
And come his way it did. With Ohio State leading 10-0 late in the first half, quarterback Will Howard launched a deep ball down the left sideline. Tate, streaking past his defender, laid out for a spectacular diving 25-yard touchdown catch, sending the scarlet-clad Buckeye fans into a frenzy.
It was a catch that would make any receiver proud, but for Tate, it meant so much more. As he popped up and celebrated with his teammates, Tate pointed to the sky, a tribute to his late mother. In that moment, all the pain and grief of the past year melted away.
“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.”
– Ohio State QB Will Howard on Carnell Tate
Finding the End Zone Again
Tate wasn’t done. On Ohio State’s opening drive of the second half, he snagged an 8-yard touchdown pass from Howard, pushing the Buckeye lead to 24-7. It was Tate’s first career multi-touchdown game, made all the more special by where and why it happened.
“The people who know Carnell care a lot about him,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said after the game. “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.”
Finding Strength in Tragedy
The past year has been unimaginably difficult for Tate and his family. According to sources close to the situation, Ashley Griggs was an innocent bystander struck down in a senseless act of violence all too common on Chicago’s streets. Three men were later charged in connection with the shooting.
Throughout his grief, Tate has leaned on his Buckeye teammates and coaches for support, especially his roommate and fellow receiver Brandon Inniss. Their bond has helped Tate navigate the anguish of losing a mother while still pursuing his football dreams.
“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.”
– Ohio State QB Will Howard
A Emotional, Unforgettable Day
With his biggest fans cheering him on, Tate finished the day with 4 catches for 52 yards to go along with his two scores. But the numbers hardly mattered. This was about family, about honoring his mother’s memory, about finding joy in his darkest days.
As Tate celebrated with his teammates after the win, surrounded by the iconic ivy of Wrigley’s outfield walls, one could only imagine the mix of emotions swirling within. Pride in his performance. Sorrow for his mother. Gratitude for this team that has become his family.
While football will never erase the pain of that fateful July night, for one glorious November afternoon, it provided Carnell Tate the sanctuary and strength to keep moving forward. And as he left the field victorious, awash in hugs from family and friends, one thing was clear: Ashley Griggs’ legacy lives on through her son, whose courage and resilience embody the very best of Chicago.
