Under the Helmet – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 23, 2006
By Ashley Heilman
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Junior tailback Antonio Pittman emanates speed. At the pinnacle of his Buckeye career, he has etched his name into the record book with the second highest rushing total produced by a sophomore, just slightly behind two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin. It is safe to say Pittman is familiar with the position of running on the field. But beyond the turf, when he watches two little feet scamper quickly over to him, he suddenly finds himself in a whole new role.
Pittman lived with his sister, April, while he was attending Buchtel High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Along with the bonus of being closer to his school, he also was a major influence in the life of his oldest niece. He enjoyed watching her mature and mimic some of his own recognizable characteristics.
“Annice is the one I was always around when she grew up,” Pittman said of his 6-year-old niece. “When she was getting in trouble by her mom, she knew she could always run to me and I would always let her do it.”
Pittman does not mind letting his niece perform all the running duties at home. Being an uncle keeps him grounded amidst all the excitement surrounding his life as a Buckeye football player. He finds solace within his family, which provides him with the energy he needs to succeed both on and off the field.
“I try to make it back home as much as possible,” Pittman said. “I like to spend time with my family. We are all really close. Because we are so far apart, when we all get together, we just want to be together.”
While Pittman and his three siblings each are working on their individual goals outside their home base, it still remains a high priority for their family to stick together.
“Marquetta, my oldest sister, moved across the street from my apartment here in Columbus,” Pittman said. “She is like the mother of all of us kids when we are away from home. I’m here in Columbus, and my youngest sister, Chemika, is going to college in Urbana. If we ever need something, she is always right there. If my mom couldn’t make it down from Akron, Marquetta would be the one to call.”
To all who witnesses his abilities as a football player, many agree Pittman is a tough physical runner. To his sisters who sit in the stands every game, he is just their little brother. They are his No. 1 fans.
“Annice has been to almost all of my games and my sisters and mom attend all the home game, too. They dress up my niece and bring her to watch me play. She knows who I am on the field.”
Not visible from the stands is a piece of art that will forever stay with Pittman. Hidden underneath the left sleeve of his jersey lies a tattoo in remembrance of his only brother, whose life ended tragically almost seven years ago.
“I had an older brother named Anthony, who passed away when I was in eighth grade. He died at the age of 23. That brought everyone in the family all closer together, too.”
The ink that immortalizes the memory of his brother also serves as motivation for Pittman.
“Everything I do is for him,” Pittman said. “He is my inspiration without a doubt on the field and just life in general. Just to make him happy, I strive to make everything work and to be a better person for him every day.”
To make his family proud, Pittman will continue to convert their strength into yards each game he plays. Opponents should beware, for when Pittman’s pride is endless, so are his possibilities on the field.
