ARLINGTON, TX – December 17, 2025 – Ohio State legend and former ninth overall pick in the National Football League (NFL) Draft, Ted Ginn Jr., was named head coach of the Columbus Aviators earlier today. Ginn Jr. will take the helm as Columbus enters its first-ever season in the United Football League (UFL).
Ginn Jr. grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where his football journey began at a young age. He played high school football for his father, Ted Ginn Sr., and quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top prospects. Following a phenomenal high school career that included All-American honors and National Defensive Player of the Year recognition, Ginn Jr. accepted a scholarship to play at Ohio State.
In the heart of Columbus, Ginn Jr. became the spark that ignited the Buckeyes’ special teams unit. Despite seeing limited action at wide receiver during his freshman season, he made an immediate impact, returning four punts for touchdowns. That total broke a Big Ten Conference record that had stood since 1947. Ginn Jr. also led the nation with 25.6 yards per punt return, showcasing his elite speed and game-breaking ability. His efforts earned him First Team All-American honors as a return specialist.
Ginn Jr. was elevated to a starting wide receiver role during his sophomore season, finishing the year with 51 receptions for 803 yards and four touchdowns. He proved he was not only a special teams weapon, but a versatile offensive threat as well.
In 2006, Ginn Jr. became the heartbeat of Ohio State’s run to the national championship game. A preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, he delivered another standout season, earning Second Team All-American honors while leading the Buckeyes in receiving. Ginn Jr. totaled 59 catches for 781 yards and four receiving touchdowns, while continuing his dominance on special teams with two additional return touchdowns. His most iconic moment came in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, when he returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.
Following his standout collegiate career, Ginn Jr. was selected ninth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2007 NFL Draft. He scored his first NFL touchdown on Nov. 18, doing what he did best – returning a punt 87 yards to the end zone, tying the longest punt return in Dolphins history.
Ginn Jr. spent three seasons with Miami before playing three more with the San Francisco 49ers. During the 2011 season opener, he delivered one of the most memorable performances of his NFL career, returning a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown and later taking a punt 55 yards for another score. He was named NFL Special Teams Player of the Week.
In 2013, Ginn Jr. joined forces with Cam Newton in Carolina, posting one of his most productive seasons. He recorded 36 receptions for 556 yards and five touchdowns.
After a brief stop with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014, Ginn Jr. returned to the Panthers in 2015 and enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He finished with 44 receptions for 739 yards and a career-best 10 touchdowns, helping Carolina to a 15-1 regular-season record and a Super Bowl appearance. In the Super Bowl loss to Denver, Ginn Jr. caught four passes for 74 yards.
Ginn Jr. later signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he continued to be a reliable deep threat. He posted 53 receptions for 787 yards and four touchdowns, highlighted by a standout Wild Card performance against Carolina in which he recorded four catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
He spent the 2020 season with the Chicago Bears before announcing his retirement on July 16, 2021. Ginn Jr. concluded his 14-year NFL career with 43 total touchdowns.
One of the most unique aspects of Ginn Jr.’s legacy is the Ted Ginn Return Game, a fan-created arcade-style mobile game that gained popularity during his peak years at Ohio State. The game allowed players to control Ginn Jr. on kick returns, dodging defenders in pursuit of the end zone – a testament to how electric he was during his college career. The game remains available to play today.
Prior to accepting the head coaching position with the Columbus Aviators, Ginn Jr. served as head coach at his alma mater, Glenville High School, and founded the Ginn Academy, a leadership program for young men in Cleveland. Now, he brings that same leadership, experience, and football pedigree back to the city of Columbus.