Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
August 24, 2025
Heisman Winners Troy Smith & Ricky Williams Lead Historic Cornhole Charity Event
TLDR
- Ohio State and Texas legends compete in the World Series of Cornhole, offering fans a chance to see elite athletes showcase skills in a new competitive arena.
- The event spans two days with structured activities including a VIP tournament, charity auctions, and tailgate experiences to support mental health initiatives.
- Proceeds from the event fund mental health programs and youth foundations, promoting wellness and opportunities for underserved communities nationwide.
- Heisman winners Troy Smith and Ricky Williams team up for a cornhole showdown, blending sports rivalry with fun and philanthropy in Columbus.
Impact - Why it Matters
This event represents a significant shift in how former athletes leverage their platforms for mental health advocacy and community support. By transforming a popular tailgate game into a major charity event, these sports legends are destigmatizing mental health conversations in athletic communities while raising substantial funds for youth programs and mental health initiatives. The collaboration between rival schools demonstrates how sports can bridge divides for common good, potentially inspiring similar charitable events across other sports and fan bases. For fans, it offers rare access to legends while supporting causes that directly impact youth development and mental wellness in communities nationwide.
Summary
Heisman Trophy winner and Ohio State legend Troy Smith is leading an extraordinary gathering of football icons in the inaugural World Series of Cornhole and Legend Shootout Tournament, bringing together Buckeye greats and Texas Longhorn legends for a unique competition. The event features star athletes including fellow Heisman winner Ricky Williams, Vince Young, and Ted Ginn Jr., transforming the classic tailgate game into a high-profile charity spectacle that rekindles the historic Ohio State vs. Texas rivalry in a fun, lighthearted environment.
Beyond the boards and competition, the World Series of Cornhole serves as a platform for meaningful philanthropy and mental health advocacy. Smith emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges faced by athletes, stating that "mental health is just as important as physical health" and highlighting how events like this provide healthy outlets and crucial conversations. Proceeds from the event benefit player-driven foundations including Smith's mental health initiatives, the Vince Young Foundation, the Ted Ginn Jr. Foundation, and Ricky Williams' programs through raffles, auctions, and fundraising led by Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale.
The two-day experience offers fans unprecedented access to legends through various events including a Heisman Toast VIP gathering, the actual cornhole tournament at the Railhouse at East Market, a VIP tailgate experience before the Ohio State vs. Texas game, and a high-energy after-party at Draft Day. With tickets available through the World Series of Cornhole platform and the venue itself, this first-of-its-kind event combines elite athletic competition, fan engagement, and charitable impact in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sportsmanship and community support.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by Newsworthy.ai. Read the original source here, Heisman Winners Troy Smith & Ricky Williams Lead Historic Cornhole Charity Event
