Time for Ball

The 2024 college football season is officially underway and we're doing it for Tanner

On July 8th, I flew to Las Vegas for Big 12, Mountain West and the most unique Pac-12 media experience of its existence. That week was full of interviews, off-the-record conversations and celebrations. After months of preparation, we officially launched Y-Option. Inside a ballroom at the Bellagio, I listened as Ryan Leaf took a stand for his Cougs and sat on stage as powerful stories were unearthed that have been shared around the college football community.

Following media days, I began a Training Camp Tour, visiting Washington on their first day in the Big Ten, my Pitt Panthers and the ever-talented Ohio State Buckeyes. In total, I would see 12 teams from coast-to-coast over three weeks, finishing up at the Nike Global Headquarters broadcasting two high school games on NFL Network.

During those three weeks, Y-Option kicked out 14 podcasts, 21 newsletters and over 100 social media pieces. Minimal sleep was had but maximum fun as well. After all, this is a dream job and I truly feel that I’m living my childhood fantasy.

Tonight, once our boys get to sleep I’ll begin my Week 1 game prep in earnest, diving into the true nuances of Oregon, a national championship contender, and Idaho, one of the top programs in FCS, in our season-opening game on the Big Ten Network. Over the course of the next five months, I'll commit my life to the game that changed my life on so many powerful levels.

But none of that really matters and sometimes it takes life to remind one that while we think that news about college football, realignment, or the players is what matters most, it’s not.

Meet Tanner Pierce, a 21-year-old Broadcast Journalism and Documentary student who should be starting his senior year at Chapman University. 

Tanner (middle) with his family at 2024 CFP National Championship Game

Four years ago, I was pulling into a hotel parking lot outside of Boulder, Colorado and I got a call from a then college freshman. In his excited and energetic voice Tanner simply stated, “Mr. Roth, I’d like to be your intern.”

Once we got through the concept that my Dad was “Mr. Roth” we began to talk about his story, his life, his vision. For 45 minutes, I sat in the parking lot on a cold November night and just asked questions. Tanner shared with me his love of Washington Husky football, his desire to one day be like Ted Robinson and that he would thrive if he was on my content team.

My internship was more of an apprenticeship at the time and was fresh off of Max Browne (USC/Pitt), Britain Covey (Utah) and Michael Wilson (Stanford) sitting in that chair. Those athletes were all seeking different things when we spoke about some sort of collaboration. Max was seeking answers post playing career, Britain was quenching his thirst for knowledge around a media company, and Michael wanted to explore evaluating quarterbacks and broadcasting. All three are absolute rock stars and as Tanner would admit, better athletes than him.

Tanner Pierce didn’t care that he never put on a college uniform, but like each of those young men, he just wanted a shot.

Remembering what it was like to be his age I said “sure, let’s see how it goes.”

Tanner (right) at UW football game

Four years later, Tanner had his own podcast production company, was producing shows for various personalities, spent a summer working in Paris for the playoff-bound Musketeers and this fall, he was editing all of our podcasts at Y-Option. 

As anyone who has worked with him would attest – this dude was going places and all of us would likely be working for him in a few years. In short, he was rolling and as my intern, he was thriving.

Then in an instant, life reminded us what matters most.

On July 27th at 4:47 p.m. I received a text from his father, Dean.

“Yogi. This is Dean. Tanner’s Dad. When you have a minute, please call.”

I had met his father once, last year at a UW game, and he seemed like a kind man whose kids adored him. 

At 10:44 p.m. I received another text.

“Yogi. Tanner’s Dad again. Tanner is currently in surgery at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle….”

After Media Days and before Training Camp, my family went on a camping trip and purposefully had minimal, if any cell service. I had left my phone in our cabin and didn’t get service until the following morning. Once I read his messages I immediately called and upon hearing Dean’s voice, I could tell it was serious.

For the next 15 minutes, I listened to Dean and his daughter, Kelty, share what happened. 

Tanner had jumped into a lake and upon swimming to shore began to feel nauseous, disoriented, unresponsive and ultimately began to have multiple seizures. He was taken to the local hospital and after a CT scan was completed a brain bleed was discovered. Tanner was immediately airlifted to Seattle where he had an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) placed to begin draining the blood from his brain, and had a Craniotomy (partial removal of the skull) to allow the left side of his brain to swell and reduce pressure.

The previous week, I had spent hours upon hours preparing for Big Ten Media Days, it was my first day on the job and I wanted to make a good impression. It took precedence over everything and upon reflecting back, took over my life. 

As I listened to Tanner’s family describe Tanner’s diagnoses, I too began to tear up as I could only imagine what they were going through. Here is this 21-year-old young man, strong as an ox, jumping into a lake and moments later he was fighting for his life. It made no sense.

To the Pierce family, at least from afar, it seemed like they were not worried about it making sense. It was about bouncing back, supporting their beloved son and brother, and loving on Tanner.

And it worked. 

Since that day, Tanner has been competing at a level that would make Husky greats like Jake Locker, Lincoln Kennedy, and Michael Penix Jr. proud. He’s made great strides over his last 3 weeks, dare I say even more impressive than his Huskies when they went from 4-8 to Sugar Bowl winners in a few years. And as of this weekend, Tanner is back at home competing to make a full recovery.

So as game week arrives tomorrow and college football gets rolling, maybe all of us can remember Tanner’s story as one to keep us present, where our feet are. Maybe it can serve as a reminder that what matters most is that we prioritize time with our loved ones, live a full life where we Chase What Matters and always ask the question we desire in life.

And Tanner, four years ago on a cold November night, you asked me to be on my team. Safe to say all of us at Y-Option, and beyond, are so honored to be on yours.

Keep competing brother and enjoy your new-look Husky team this weekend.

And for all who want to follow Tanner’s recovery please visit his Caring Bridge page or consider supporting his Go Fund Me campaign.

Much love,

Yogi