Carnell Tate Honors Family on the Field

**Carnell Tate’s Skyward Kiss: A Mother’s Legacy Fuels Ohio State’s Rising Star**

Columbus, OH – When Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate electrifies the crowd with a touchdown, his immediate, heartfelt gesture is a silent, poignant kiss blown skyward. This deeply personal ritual is more than a celebration; it’s a profound tribute to his late mother, Ashley Griggs, a constant reminder, he says, that “she’s always watching him.” Tate’s journey to the Buckeyes’ prominent scarlet and gray has been shaped by immense loss, yet he transforms that weight into a powerful, unyielding motivator on the football field.

The trajectory of Carnell’s young life was irrevocably altered at the tender age of 12. On June 15, 2017, his mother, Ashley Griggs, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. This tragedy became the singular driving force behind nearly every decision and aspiration that followed. The grief, however, did not end there. In 2020, his father, Carnell Tate Sr., also passed away, adding another layer of profound sadness.

The heartbreaking losses continued into his critical developmental years. On July 15, 2022, just months before his early enrollment at Ohio State, his grandmother, Beverly Tate, succumbed to cancer. Beverly had been a towering figure in his life, often described as a second mother, raising him during his early years on Chicago’s South Side, specifically around the vibrant intersection of 79th Street and Ashland Avenue. Her passing was a particularly difficult blow, coming as he prepared to embark on his college career.

Growing up amidst the challenges of Chicago, Carnell made a pivotal and difficult decision for his football development. After attending Marist High School, he transferred to the nationally renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his junior year. He described the move as “gut-wrenching” to leave his hometown and family, but acknowledged it as a necessary step for his athletic future. At IMG, he thrived in the elite competitive environment, sharpening his skills and solidifying his status as a top recruit, eventually enrolling early at Ohio State in January 2023.

Tate quickly made his presence known in his freshman year. He secured his first collegiate touchdown against Western Kentucky on September 16, 2023. As soon as the ball crossed the plane, true to his deeply ingrained ritual, he blew that kiss to the sky. It’s a habit he began right after scoring his very first touchdown following his mother’s passing, a visible testament to his enduring connection and purpose.

A constant source of support and an embodiment of his mother’s enduring spirit is his aunt, Ashley Washington, who now lives with him in Columbus. Washington has been an unwavering presence throughout his high school career, attending all his games and actively working to carry on his mother’s legacy through “The Ashley Nicole Griggs Foundation.” This foundation aims to honor Ashley’s memory by supporting initiatives that were important to her, likely focusing on youth empowerment and community upliftment.

Within the Ohio State program, Tate’s coaches and teammates frequently remark on his remarkable maturity and the intense passion he brings to every practice and game. Veteran wide receivers like Julian Fleming and Marvin Harrison Jr. have often commented on how Carnell’s personal story shapes his approach to the game. “Carnell plays with a fire that’s different,” noted a teammate. “You can tell there’s a deeper purpose behind every rep, every catch.” His coaches speak of his discipline and focus, qualities often attributed to players who have faced and overcome significant adversity.

Carnell Tate plays not just for the roar of the crowd or the glory of the Buckeyes, but for the memory of the fierce, supportive mother who always wanted to see him succeed. His skyward kiss is a silent promise, a constant bond, and a powerful emblem of the love that continues to drive Ohio State’s promising young star.