You're probably used to seeing former Ohio State University running back Antonio Pittman run toward the goal line. These days you'll see him running toward a burning house.
“I have set goals for myself and I had a dream. It was to play football. After that, it was to be a fireman, in Columbus. I've obtained both of them,” Pittman explained.
Pittman recently graduated from the Columbus Fire Academy and is now suiting up with his new team.
“Growing up in Akron, I never saw myself becoming a firefighter. All I ever saw myself doing was playing football. Once that situation was cut short, I got hurt, I had to find another route,” he said.
Pittman is taking the lessons he learned about working as a team at Ohio State.
“It put me back into the whole aspect of team, teamwork and team setting,” Pittman said.
Pittman explains there are a lot of similarities between the pressure of performing in a big game and coming through for someone who is in need of his help.
“Playing in front of 100,000 people, it's a challenging course. As opposed to being on the scene of someone's worst day, and just trying to make it,” Pittman said.
Pittman says he's glad he has a physically and mentally challenging job where he feels he can truly make a difference. He has advice for any kids looking up to him.
“Stay true to yourself, set goals, make sure you work hard to obtain them. Always have a plan b, just in case plan a falls through. Consistently work hard. Know what you want out of life,” Pittman said.