Former Ohio State Star, Once Considered NFL Draft Bust, Admits Mistakes and Eyes Redemption With Determined Comeback Attempt

The journey from college stardom to professional football is often portrayed as a straight line toward fame and fortune. But for many, the reality is much different. Such is the case for former Ohio State star defensive end Noah Spence, a name once synonymous with dominant college pass rushing and potential NFL greatness. Years after being labeled a “draft bust,” Spence has come forward with candid reflections on his past and a renewed determination to rewrite his legacy. In an emotional interview, the former Buckeye acknowledged his mistakes and declared his intention to return to the league that once held him in high regard.

Spence was once one of the most feared edge rushers in college football. As a highly touted recruit coming out of Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he was a five-star prospect and ranked among the top defensive players in the nation. At Ohio State, Spence wasted no time living up to the hype. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt backfields made him a breakout star in 2013, his sophomore season, when he posted 52 tackles and 8 sacks. He looked like a sure-fire future first-round pick, a cornerstone defender who could thrive in the modern NFL.

But just as his collegiate career was hitting its stride, Spence’s life took a turn. In early 2014, he was suspended by the Big Ten for a failed drug test. That test, which revealed the presence of ecstasy in his system, resulted in a year-long ban from Big Ten play. A second failed test would ultimately lead to his dismissal from the Ohio State program. Spence appealed, but the conference stood firm. Ohio State and Urban Meyer were forced to move on, and the once-rising star found himself spiraling out of the national spotlight.

Rather than let his dream die, Spence transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where he was granted a fresh start. There, he rebuilt his image and became a dominant force again, racking up 11.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in his lone season. Despite the concerns over his off-field issues, NFL scouts remained intrigued by his talent. In the 2016 NFL Draft, Spence was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round, 39th overall. He was touted as a potential steal, a low-risk, high-reward gamble who could blossom with the right structure.

His rookie season with Tampa Bay offered hope. Spence appeared in all 16 games and recorded 5.5 sacks, flashing the same disruptive potential that once made him a terror in the Big Ten. However, the momentum was short-lived. Injuries began to mount, particularly a nagging shoulder issue that required surgery. His playing time decreased in the years that followed, and his production dwindled. By 2019, Spence was cut by the Buccaneers. He bounced between several teams, including brief stints with Washington, New Orleans, and Cincinnati, but never managed to reclaim his form or earn a permanent spot on a roster.

After several years out of the spotlight and away from NFL fields, Spence recently sat down with reporters to discuss his fall from grace—and his desire to make things right. Speaking with a tone of humility and introspection, Spence did not shy away from the missteps that derailed his career. “I had every opportunity in front of me and I took it for granted,” he said. “I let myself down, and I let the people who believed in me down.”

Spence admitted that maturity was a major issue early in his career. The pressure, the fame, the temptations—it all came too fast. “I thought talent was enough,” he continued. “I didn’t take care of my body the way I should have. I didn’t take care of my mind. I wasn’t being a professional, and the league humbled me real quick.”

Those words resonated with fans and former teammates alike. Spence’s admission wasn’t just a public apology—it was a statement of growth. Now 31 years old, Spence has spent the past two seasons working on his physical and mental health. He has undergone extensive rehab on his shoulder, adopted a rigorous training regimen, and even worked with a mental health coach to better manage the emotional aspects of professional sports.

“I needed time away to understand what I wanted,” he said. “I thought I was done. I really did. But football—it’s who I am. I still have something left, and I want to show the world that I’m not that bust they wrote off.”

That term—“bust”—has hung over Spence for years. It’s a label that haunts many players who fail to live up to their draft pedigree. In Spence’s case, the physical tools were never the issue. It was the combination of immaturity, injuries, and off-field distractions that derailed a career once bursting with promise. And yet, even amid disappointment, there’s always a path back for those willing to walk it.

Spence believes his time is now. He’s reached out to multiple teams, submitted workout videos to personnel departments, and is reportedly in talks with two franchises interested in bringing him in for a tryout. While the NFL is notoriously cutthroat, especially for veterans trying to claw their way back, there’s growing belief that Spence could provide value as a rotational edge rusher—particularly for teams in need of pass rush depth heading into training camp.

His supporters include former Ohio State teammates and coaches who recall his talent and drive. Urban Meyer, who coached Spence during his Buckeye days, recently spoke about his former player’s potential return. “Noah made mistakes, no question,” Meyer said. “But he also owned them. I’ve seen him grow, and I know what kind of competitor he is. If he’s healthy and committed, I wouldn’t count him out.”

Even Spence’s former NFL teammates have expressed encouragement. Cameron Jordan, a star defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, praised Spence’s athleticism and attitude during their brief time together. “He’s got the juice,” Jordan said. “You can’t teach that first step. If his mind’s right and he’s in shape, somebody’s going to get a hungry vet who still knows how to get to the quarterback.”

For Spence, the comeback isn’t about proving the doubters wrong. It’s about proving to himself that he still belongs. He understands that his margin for error is slim and that opportunities will be scarce. But he also believes that this version of himself—humbled, hungry, and healthy—is far better equipped to handle the demands of the league than the young man who entered it nearly a decade ago.

“I’ve learned that the NFL doesn’t owe anyone anything,” he said. “But if I get one more shot, just one, I won’t waste it. I’ll show up early. I’ll stay late. I’ll do the dirty work. I’m not looking to be a star—I just want to be part of a team again. I want to finish this the right way.”

Stories like Spence’s remind us that professional athletes are human, prone to the same missteps, struggles, and growth as anyone else. While not every comeback story ends in triumph, the willingness to try—to get back up after falling—is worthy of admiration. In an era where redemption arcs are rare and second chances even rarer, Noah Spence is stepping forward with clarity, humility, and purpose.

Whether he plays another snap in the NFL remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the player once known only as a “bust” is ready to be more than that. He’s ready to be a man who faced his failures, learned from them, and came back stronger—not just for football, but for life