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At OSU
Joel Penton is a 2006 graduate of The Ohio State University and a former defensive tackle for the Ohio State football team. He was a member of three Big Ten championship teams and one national championship team. Joel played in 38 straight games for the Buckeyes. In his senior year he recorded a sack in the 2006 victory over Michigan which gave Ohio State their first Outright Big Ten Championship since 1984.
Personal
Joel was born and raised in Van Wert, Ohio, a small town in the northwest portion of the state. He developed a passion for speaking early on and delivered his first speech in church as a junior in high school. After finishing his football career at Ohio State, Joel turned down the opportunity to play in the NFL to pursue full-time speaking. According to Joel, “I felt like I could have the greatest impact on others by going directly into full-time speaking.” Joel currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Bethany, a former Ohio State gymnast. He also serves as the Community Director for the Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
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Honors
In 2006, Joel received the prestigious Danny Wuerffel Trophy, also known as the “Humanitarian Heisman.” The Trophy recognizes the nation’s college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. Joel was also a member of the inaugural class of the National Football Foundation National Honor Society. In his time at Ohio State, Joel was a four-time varsity letter winner as well as a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He was also chosen to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl, one of the premier college football all-star games.
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