Former NFL player urges Ohio Sports Commission to boost youth access and sports tourism

The Arts, Athletics and Tourism Committee held a second hearing on House Bill 255 during which Douglas Worthington, a former NFL player and entrepreneur, urged lawmakers to create an Ohio Sports Commission to coordinate sports promotion, investment and youth access across the state.

Worthington, who identified himself as a former Ohio State captain and said he grew up in Buffalo, New York, told the panel that sports build leadership, teamwork and opportunity. "Sports are synonymous with life," he said, adding that programs give young people "purpose, discipline, and strength to push through when life got tough."

A commission, Worthington said, would "help us understand where the opportunities are, bring major events to our towns, and develop smart policy to grow sports-related infrastructure and tourism." He also argued the commission could target underserved communities and help coordinate funding and partnerships.

The testimony drew questions from committee members about how a commission would improve access for youth and how it would coordinate funding. Ranking Member Jerrells asked Worthington which single thing sports gave him that made a difference; Worthington cited leadership, accountability and team roles. Representative McNally pressed whether the commission should focus on access to events and facilities; Worthington said "exposure is key" and that children "cannot be what you cannot see," arguing the commission should prioritize safe fields, training facilities and diverse sport offerings.

Worthington also referenced financial changes in amateur athletics, saying name-image-and-likeness (NIL) money is changing the sports landscape and that the commission should identify and fill gaps left by shifting funding sources. He urged collaboration across existing organizations and an initial effort to "learn what other commissions are doing" before recommending specific programs.

Committee members and Worthington discussed economic arguments in broad terms: Worthington told the committee that major events and sports-related tourism already provide substantial economic benefits to Ohio communities, and that a coordinated approach could increase that impact and improve youth access. The hearing record contains no formal vote or motion on HB 255.

The committee did not take a formal vote at the hearing; the bill was presented for testimony and questions and the hearing was closed without an outcome recorded.