The United Football League’s President and CEO, Russ Brandon, announced Wednesday that former Ohio State football All-American and NFL veteran Ted Ginn Jr. will be the first head football coach of the Columbus Aviators. 

“Ted Ginn Jr. represents everything that is great about football in the Buckeye state,” said Brandon in a press release. “A proven winner, Ted combines a winning performance on the field and a deep knowledge of the game with tremendous pride for his home state.”  

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ginn is returning to Columbus where he was a three-time, first-team All-American at wide receiver for the Buckeyes, helping the team reach the BCS National Championship Game during the 2006 season.

A first-round selection and ninth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2007 NFL Draft, he went on to a 14-year career as a wide receiver and return specialist for the Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. He played for the Panthers in the 2016 Super Bowl.

“Today marks a new milestone in my football journey,” said Ginn. “When I heard that the United Football League was going to have a football team in Columbus, I wanted to be a part of creating a new winning tradition in this city that is such an important part of my life.”

“I’m so excited for the Columbus Aviators as Teddy Ginn Jr. joins the organization as its inaugural head football coach,” said Jim Tressel, former Ohio State head football coach, who coached Ginn in Columbus. “Teddy will be a great influence on the young men and he will represent the Buckeye State and the UFL with class.”

The Aviators kick off their inaugural season this upcoming spring.