COLUMBUS, Ohio — Being a Central Ohio native didn’t discourage David Key from switching sides of the football field.

What You Need To Know

  • David Key is a Central Ohio Native and former University of Michigan Football Player

  • Started three years as defensive back, 1987-90

  • Key talks about one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports and what it means as a player and fan

“It came down to Ohio State and Michigan, and so when I made my commitment to Michigan — actually the week before I took my Ohio State visit, but I was locked in — you know it was one of those opportunities to play for a legend. At that time, the program was doing very well, ranked third academically in the country,” said Key.

It was a decision Key says his family and friends weren’t expecting.

“Of course, being a Central Ohio kid, everyone was really surprised. Actually, my mother worked at the (Ohio State) University for about 20 years, and so everyone just assumed I would go to Ohio State.”

Key started as a defensive back for the Wolverines for three years, never losing to the Buckeyes in that time.

“When I was at Michigan, Ohio State wasn’t doing as well, but we always knew that those guys were going to give us our best game, and they surely did.”

 

That sense of competitiveness is why he’s shutting down all rumors that have been swirling around. People have been joking on social media that the game was canceled because the University of Michigan didn't want to lose to Ohio State.

Key says that's far from the truth. 

“There’s this been this call that, you know, Michigan is doing this on purpose. I assure you Michigan football would play against anybody anywhere if they could, particularly this game.”

The Univerity of Michigan ended up canceling the game over COVID-19 concerns after many students tested positive or were in quarantine. When the game was canceled, Ohio State worried they wouldn't have enough games to compete in the championship game. But Big Ten officials voted to get rid for the six-game requirement Wednesday, giving Ohio State the green light to play in the championship game this year. 

But with the game now canceled, a question remains: Who would have taken home the win in 2020?

“I would have not been surprised if Michigan either won that game or played much better. I mean, that's just the nature of the rivalry it brings.”

It’s one that fans and teams alike will have to wait a little longer for, something Key thinks will only fuel the fire.

“I think it does add a layer of intensity I am going to make a suggestion that the winner of next year’s game gets two victories instead of one so that will help us catch up a little when we beat those Buckeyes.”