Source: David Madison / Getty
According to Fox 28, a former Ohio State Buckeye and NFL football player is “on fire” over his new career path. Antonio Pittman is using what he learned as a running back to graduate from the Ohio Fire Academy on Friday.
Pittman was in a class of 18 men and women that have been working on becoming firefighters and emergency medical technicians since May. “I can say that throughout that class I met some guys that will be my friends for life,” said Pittman.
The State Fire Marshall, Larry Flowers, said passion and teamwork is important for first responders and Pittman has what it takes. “He’s a leader, he was a leader on the field and just his experiences with OSU and with the NFL, I think folks will listen to him.”
Flowers said they are trying to recruit more minorities and young people, and they are using the slogan “find the firefighter in you.”
“They will pay attention to what he has done. I think he could share that experience with maybe people thinking about it, if they are not sure, and if Antonio can do it, I can do it now too.”
According to Pittman, a running back, football and firefighters have similarities. “With respect to the guy next to you, whether it is on the field on out fighting a fire you know everybody wants to go home, be safe, and everybody protects one another.”
Pittman said the work as a firefighter is taxing, and that he had to come to the classes every day prepared. Pittman said just like on the field, the other firefighters were supportive, helped, and pushed him. “I knew after I was done playing football that I would always need a job that was somewhat physical. I dibbled and dabbled, but once I found this profession I found my home.”
Pittman plans to apply to a number of Ohio fire departments and is looking forward to getting his first job.
