One of the greatest influences in my life': PJ Fleck opens up about special bond with Jim Tressel

Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck has always had a special connection with Jim Tressel.

Tressel texts Fleck after every Golden Gophers game and constantly reaches out to Fleck to check in on him. Fleck has always appreciated this and went in-depth about their relationship during his presser on Monday.

“I was a little old GA (graduate assistant) for that man. When I say why he was one of the most influential people in my life, think about that. I was a 6 month GA. I went to the National Championship and after that, I left. But, he taught me so much, and to keep in touch with me, think about all the great players that he’s had and the staff that he’s had. But he constantly reaches out to me. He knows details of the game.”

“He is one of the greatest influences in my life.”@Coach_Fleck talks about former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who still texts him after every #Gophers game. pic.twitter.com/E7NqI4oege

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) October 25, 2021

PJ Fleck on Jim Tressel: I get a text from him after every game. The reason why I say he's one of the most influential people in my life — I was a 6-month GA.

He taught me so much. To keep in touch with me…he constantly reaches out to me. That shows the person he is.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) October 25, 2021

Tressel coached at Ohio State from 2001-10 and went 106-22 during the 10 seasons he was there. He won 1 National Championship in 2002, and then lost 2 National Championships in 2006 and 2007.