A Tribute to a Buckeye Legend: Delaware County Honors the Late Dimitrious Stanley
Loss is never easy, especially when it comes too soon. That heartache was felt deeply earlier this year by the Ohio State community when Dimitrious Stanley, a former football standout for the Buckeyes, passed away at just 48 years old after a battle with prostate cancer. The news struck a somber chord among fans, teammates, coaches, and everyone who knew him—not just for his athletic legacy, but for the man he became off the field.
In a moving tribute, Delaware County, Ohio, has honored Stanley’s memory in a permanent and symbolic way. As reported by ABC6 in Columbus, the Delaware County Board of Directors voted in May to rename Alpine Drive after Stanley. That change officially took effect earlier this week, marking a moment of both remembrance and celebration. The newly renamed street now serves as a lasting memorial to the life and contributions of a man who left a lasting impact on his community.
At the street-naming ceremony, several individuals close to Stanley took time to speak about his life and legacy. Among them were former Ohio State head coach John Cooper and Stanley’s teammate and friend Ryan Miller. Both shared stories and reflections that highlighted not just Stanley’s prowess on the field but also his character and commitment off of it.
Dimitrious Stanley rose to prominence in the mid-1990s during his college football career at Ohio State. Known for his speed, agility, and playmaking abilities, Stanley was instrumental in helping the Buckeyes achieve a memorable victory at the 1997 Rose Bowl. He became a fan favorite and a respected leader in the locker room, someone who gave his all every time he stepped onto the field.
After college, Stanley continued playing football at the professional level, including time in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. But his connection to football didn’t end when his playing days were over. He later transitioned into sports broadcasting, specifically covering Ohio State football. Through this work, he remained a visible and vocal supporter of the program that meant so much to him.
However, perhaps Stanley’s most profound contributions came after his prostate cancer diagnosis. Upon learning about his illness, he didn’t retreat from public life—instead, he took action. He founded Brave Men Inc., a non-profit organization focused on encouraging men to prioritize their health and, in particular, to get screened for prostate cancer. The disease is highly treatable when detected early, but many men avoid discussing it or going for regular checkups. Stanley aimed to change that by using his platform and personal experience to spread awareness.
Through Brave Men Inc., Stanley inspired conversations about men’s health that were often left unsaid. He wanted to break the silence and stigma that kept too many men from getting the help they needed in time. His efforts weren’t just about survival; they were about giving others the chance to live full and healthy lives. In that way, Stanley’s legacy stretches far beyond football—it touches lives in deeply personal and life-saving ways.
The decision to rename Alpine Drive in Stanley’s honor speaks to the wide-reaching respect and admiration he earned throughout his life. It is a testament not only to his achievements as an athlete but also to his efforts to uplift and protect others in his community. This gesture by Delaware County ensures that his memory lives on in a meaningful way.
Former teammates, coaches, and fans will always remember Stanley for his electrifying plays on the field, but it’s clear that his impact reached well beyond the game. He used his platform to make a difference, taking a painful diagnosis and transforming it into a mission that could help save lives. That level of courage, compassion, and dedication speaks volumes about who Dimitrious Stanley was.
His death is undeniably a loss, but the tribute by Delaware County helps make his memory a permanent part of the community he loved. Every sign that now bears his name tells the story of a man who inspired others not just through touchdowns and athleticism, but through integrity, advocacy, and heart.
Stanley’s story is a reminder that while athletic achievements are celebrated, the way someone lives—and helps others live—leaves the deepest mark. Dimitrious Stanley lived his life with purpose, courage, and compassion, and the renaming of Alpine Drive ensures that generations to come will know his name and, hopefully, be inspired by his example.
Gone far too soon, yes—but not forgotten. Through his efforts to raise awareness, his legacy continues to make a difference. The newly named street is more than just a sign; it’s a symbol of everything he stood for, everything he gave, and everything he left behind.
Dimitrious Stanley will always be part of Buckeye history. But thanks to his work off the field, he will also be remembered as a hero who fought for others and left the world better than he found it. A true Buckeye, on and off the field.
