Man, we love this video. It probably wasn't fun for the poor schmoe in the Brutus Buckeye costume and it'll probably end up as part of a concussion lawsuit some day like "NFL Rocks" has, but for the moment let's just savor the beauty and hilarity of a mascot getting absolutely smashed during a lighthearted play by a college linebacker at full speed.
It was Student Appreciation Day at Ohio State, something Urban Meyer seems to be turning into an annual tradition during spring practice. And as a fun thing, Brutus Buckeye got a chance to take a snap, no doubt figuring that he would be allowed to run downfield for a symbolic touchdown.
Linebacker David Perkins wasn't having that fun-loving stuff. Not on his watch.
Brutus breaks the line of scrimmage when Perkins absolutely crushed him with a perfect form tackle. The ball ejects out, and we wouldn't be surprised if Brutus' spleen did too. Here's what happened, via the Eleven Warriors blog:
Following practice, Perkins said he didn’t mean to hit Brutus so hard. But when a linebacker sees a ball carrier streaking down the field untouched, the juices get flowing.
I think every linebacker ever is giving Perkins a slow clap standing ovation.
Just in case anyone was truly worried, Brutus tweeted out that he's OK (and shared one of the greatest photos ever):
Hey, I'm one tough nut! Here's proof. Always dust yourself off. #GoBucks twitter.com/Brutus_Buckeye…
— Brutus Buckeye (@Brutus_Buckeye) April 6, 2013
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