Click Recognizes Charles Woodson with Route 20 Bypass Bill Designation at Ohio Statehouse

Today, State Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) held a Statehouse press conference to announce the introduction of legislation, which designates the Route 20 Bypass in Fremont as Charles Woodson Way. The recognition is for Charles Woodson, a Fremont, Ohio native who was recently inducted into the Football Hall of Fame and attended the event via Zoom.

Woodson was grateful for all those who spoke and participated at the Statehouse, including members of his family. He also gave words of encouragement to students at the event after discussing a story about his kindergarten teacher who gave him uplifting words: “that you are somebody special.”

“All the kids in Fremont, just know, that you are somebody special and nobody here can take that away from you. But you have to believe that about yourself that you’re special and I always believed that,” Woodson said.

Along with Woodson, Click addressed other notable local officials, coaches, and members of the Fremont Ross High School’s football team who attended the event.

“Inspiring the next generation to exceed expectations is one of the most significant things our generation can do to ensure success for generations to come,” said Click. “We have a role model from Fremont who has been that inspiration for a generation past and this road designation ensures that Charles Woodson will continue to be that inspiration for generations to come.”

Another local attendee of the event, Fremont City Schools Superintendent Jon Detwiler, acknowledged Woodson’s accomplishments and its example on others.

"Fremont is a town, like most small towns in Ohio that is easy to be proud of,” said Detwiler. “We all go to work every day and quietly and dutifully do our best.  Charles Woodson has done the same on a national level.  He has made us proud by quietly, with character and dignity, without scandal or drama, shown what grit and hard work can accomplish.  We are all Proud Little Giants and hold our heads a little higher because of him."

Several students from Fremont Ross High School had the chance to show their gratitude to Woodson, including sophomore student athlete Bryson Hammer.

“Just weeks ago, Charles received his highest honor by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Hammer. “Charles is a great role model for young men like myself…he has not only showed excellence on the field, but off the field as well. So in honor of Charles Woodson and his accomplishments, I believe commemorating the Route 20 Bypass would be a great tribute to Charles and an honor for Fremont.”

Fremont Mayor Daniel Sanchez also made note of Woodson’s inspiration and impact on the community.

“It is a great honor to be the mayor of the city of Fremont, Ohio when recognizing a local hero like Charles Woodson,” said Sanchez. “I was that 12-year old kid in Fremont that Charles made a direct impact on by his choices not only on the field, but most importantly off the field. Charles Woodson is the example of perseverance!”

All the speakers of the event included State Representative Gary Click, State Senator Bill Reineke, Fremont Mayor Daniel Sanchez, Fremont City Schools Superintendent Jon Detwiler, Fremont Ross Student Athlete Bryson Hammer, Fremont Ross Student Athlete Ayden Carter, Fremont Ross Student Athlete Anthony Vann, Former Fremont Ross Student Athlete Isaiah McDonald, Charles Woodson’s brother Mr. Terry Carter, Charles Woodson’s mother Ms. Georgia Woodson, and Charles Woodson.

Click officially submitted the legislation honoring Woodson after the press conference with the local attendees.

A full video of the event can be watched at http://ohiochannel.org/video/press-conference-designating-route-20-bypass-as-charles-woodson-way.