Books, Buckeye Nation, and the Mental Health Journey of Harry Miller

“For lengths of time in our lives, we think, this is not how things should be going. Sure, I’ve got a plan. But this is going the wrong direction.” — Harry Miller

In October of 2020, I reached out to Ohio State football player Harry Miller on Instagram (YES, I am a proud graduate of THE Ohio State University). 

Why did I reach out? Because one of my favorite pastimes in life is conversing with smart people. This video says it all: 

As fellow book lovers, he and I would talk about books on Twitter and Instagram messaging during what turned out to be a crazy year with the Covid-19 pandemic ranging. Having started “Great Books, Great Minds,” I reached out to inquire about whether he would agree to me interviewing him for a feature story for my digital book community. To my surprise, amid his football and academic preparation (he’s a 4.0 student in Mechanical Engineering), he said yes. 

HERE is the article in its entirety. 

Post article, we continued to converse occasionally, through August of 2021. At the beginning of the 2021 football season, word in media was that Harry was going to be out for several games with an undisclosed personal issue.

As the season went on, there was still no word on Harry’s status with the team and when he would return. And several of my messages to him went unanswered.

Then came the news that shocked the college football world: 

Harry has had a major impact on my life over the past several months in terms of not only better understanding the mental health issues facing so many but how the vicissitudes of life can unlock our calling here on earth. 

The following below was broadcast about a week ago. All I can say is, I love you man for your courage and what you’re doing for the world.

And Harry, if you are reading this, I hope we can catch up soon to resume our conversations about books. Miss you bro.