Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward, an Ohio State alumnus, recently honored a bet with teammate Roman Wilson, a former Michigan Wolverine, following Ohio State's surprising 13-10 loss to Michigan. Heyward, who initiated the wager, sported a Michigan hat, admitting the experience was "terrible," especially given the Buckeyes were heavily favored.
The friendly wager stemmed from the intense rivalry between the two teams. Wilson, a key contributor to Michigan's national championship run the previous year, clearly enjoyed the upset victory and his teammate's good-natured concession.
Heyward's OSU pride took a hit, but the loss didn't derail the Buckeyes' playoff hopes. While the wager added a personal dimension to the rivalry, the game itself ended with a post-game altercation. Michigan players' attempt to plant their flag at midfield sparked a brawl, requiring police intervention.
Despite the on-field tensions, Heyward and Wilson's bet showcased a lighter side to the rivalry. The incident provides a glimpse into the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Steelers locker room, even when team allegiances clash.
While Michigan's victory provided a high point in an otherwise challenging season, Ohio State continued its pursuit of a national championship title.