On April 14, 2025, Vice President JD Vance experienced a memorable mishap when he fumbled the national championship trophy of The Ohio State University football team during a celebratory event at the White House. The incident occurred as President Donald Trump hosted the Buckeyes, who had recently triumphed over the University of Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
During the ceremony, Vance attempted to lift the impressive trophy, which is made of 24-karat gold, bronze, and stainless steel, but it nearly toppled over as he bobbled it in his hands. The base of the trophy, which weighs about 30 pounds and stands 12 inches tall, fell to the ground, causing gasps from the crowd. Fortunately, Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson and another teammate quickly recovered the trophy before it could fall completely.
Vance, a proud Ohio State alumnus, later joked on X about the incident, saying, "I didn't want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it." His lighthearted comment came as he held the top half of the trophy, posing for photos with the team after the near-disaster.
The event was a significant celebration, marking Ohio State's victory in the championship game held on January 20, 2025. The Buckeyes won that game 34-23, making history as the first champions of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. This victory was particularly poignant as it coincided with Trump's inauguration day.
As the ceremony unfolded, Trump praised the Buckeyes for their resilience and skill throughout the season. He remarked, "I'm proud of you guys. You guys were resilient. You were tough. You represented the state of Ohio well. You represented the whole country well." The atmosphere was festive, amplified by the Marine Corps Band's rendition of Queen's "We Are the Champions" as the team celebrated their achievements.
Vance, during his remarks, also took a moment to needle Republican Senator Ted Cruz regarding a friendly wager they had made earlier in the season on an Ohio State-University of Texas playoff game. Vance claimed that Cruz had "still not paid up on" the bet, which involved wearing the winning team's jersey and delivering food and beer from their respective home states. "I don't like losing any bet, but I really don't want to lose a bet to Ted Cruz," Vance quipped.
Adding to the lighthearted nature of the event, Vance humorously pointed out an audience member wearing a University of Michigan hat, Ohio State's long-time rival. "I don't know who let the guy over in the corner here in a Michigan hat into this celebration," he joked, drawing laughter and boos from the crowd. "But I'm about to tell the Secret Service you've got a dangerous weapon."
The trophy itself, which stands 26.5 inches tall and weighs 35 pounds, was designed to be lifted separately from its base, allowing for easier handling during celebrations. The trophy is crafted by the fine art foundry UAP Polich Tallix, showcasing the craftsmanship and prestige associated with college football championships.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, all of whom joined Vance and Trump in honoring the team. The ceremony highlighted not only the team's athletic success but also the pride of Ohio and the importance of college football in American culture.
As the celebration concluded, the team captains presented Trump with a jersey emblazoned with "TRUMP 47," further solidifying the connection between the administration and the Buckeyes' victory. The moment captured the spirit of camaraderie and celebration that college sports often inspire, even amid political undertones.
This incident, while a minor blunder, has added a humorous chapter to the ongoing narrative of sports and politics in America. Vance's fumble will likely be remembered not just for the mishap itself, but also for the way it encapsulated the joy and unpredictability of such celebratory events.
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the next season, they carry with them the memories of their championship victory and the lighthearted moments that followed. The trophy, despite the incident, remains a symbol of their hard work and determination, a testament to the spirit of college football.
In the world of sports, moments like these remind us that while victories are celebrated, it is often the human experiences and the laughter shared that resonate most with fans and players alike.
