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Former Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman becomes Columbus firefighter

Former Ohio State University running back Antonio Pittman has gone from the gridiron to the fire station.

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.

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