The people are asking, Can Eleven Warriors go 3-for-3 with the 12th Warrior Happy Hour?
The answer is Yes.
In June and July, Andy Katzenmoyer and J.K. Dobbins headlined the first and second 12th Warrior Happy Hours. As we looked for a third Ohio State legend to headline the third, we wanted to keep the pedal to the metal, so we messed around and landed a national champion: Maurice Clarett. The former running back will appear on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m.
In a live Q&A exclusive with Clarett, 12th Warriors will hear untold stories, have a chance to ask questions and connect with an all-time Buckeye like never before. It's relaxed. It's interactive. It's our way of saying thank you for backing independent Ohio State sports coverage, for representing Eleven Warriors and for being the heart of what we do at 11W.
Grab your drink of choice, log on and let's make some memories. We'll share further details in the Premium Lounge next week.
A Message to Future 12th Warriors
You aren't a 12th Warrior — yet.
For $85 a year (just 23 cents a day), you can join a selfless perks program designed to flip the paywall system, keeping our coverage free for all by paying it forward. Membership includes perks like admission to 12th Warrior Happy Hour, a voucher for $40 off a purchase from Eleven Warriors Dry Goods, access to the Premium Lounge and more.
Want to chat with Dobbins, help the site and score other perks? Sign up to become a 12th Warrior!
Maurice Clarett, Ohio State Legend
Clarett burst onto the college football scene as a true freshman at Ohio State in 2002, becoming the first freshman to start at running back for the Buckeyes since 1943. In just one season, he rushed for 1,237 yards and 18 touchdowns on 222 carries and added 12 receptions for 104 yards.
Clarett played a crucial role in Ohio State’s undefeated national championship run that year, highlighted by his game-winning touchdown in double overtime against Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl and a memorable strip of Sean Taylor following an interception. His vision, strength and nose for the end zone made him one of the most impactful freshman ballcarriers in college football history.
While off-field issues cut Clarett's Ohio State and NFL career short, the Youngstown, Ohio, native has spent most of his adult live as an advocate for mental health, addiction recovery and personal development through his work with The Red Zone, a behavioral health agency he founded in 2016.
Clarett indeed re-engaged with Ohio State in the 2024 season, marking a meaningful return to the program. He served as a part‑time mentor and presence around the team, frequently attending practices, engaging with players and offering motivational support during their national championship run. Although he didn’t hold an official staff role, Clarett built a personal relationship with head coach Ryan Day, bonding over shared experiences and conversations. He regularly attended Tuesday practices and had dinners with Day afterward. Clarett called their first meeting “as impressive a conversation as I’ve had in a while,” and said it “continued to grow from there.”
