COVID-19 protocols prevented Ohio State DL from seeing newborn son last year

Players, coaches, staff members and families had to make a lot of sacrifices in order to play the college football season in 2o20. The one Ohio State defensive lineman Jerron Cage had to make was greater than most.

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Cage revealed that he was unable to see his newborn son last year because of COVID-19 protocols. He also said that his teammates were extremely appreciative for the sacrifice he had to make.

Cage played in seven games for the Buckeyes during the 2020 season. He earned a start in the national championship against Alabama, filling in former Tommy Togiai who missed the game because of COVID-19 protocols.

Ohio State defensive tackle Jerron Cage said his son was born last year, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he wasn't even able to see his son. Said his teammates respected the sacrifice he made. pic.twitter.com/AvutGI8o1z

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 9, 2021

DT Jerron Cage said getting to start in Tommy Togiai's absence for the CFP title game was particularly emotional because his son had just been born, and because of COVID protocols, he couldn't even see him.

— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) April 9, 2021

Cage ended the season with 5 tackles and a sack. He said that earning the opportunity to start in the title game to close out the year was emotional because of the circumstances with his newborn son.

Cage is now expected to be in the mix for the starting job at defensive tackle. He’s appeared in 20 career games for the Buckeyes and has registered 10 tackles, 1.5 for loss and a fumble recovery during his time in Columbus.

Everyone had to sacrifice during the 2020 college football season, but Cage earned a lot of respect from his teammates and coaches for what he had to do last year.