By: Kevin Ruple
BEREA, Ohio -- Tony Oden '95 is living his dream of being a football coach in the National Football League. The former Baldwin Wallace University all-conference linebacker and team captain has worked hard and paid their dues and are enjoying the fruits of his labor of love.
In the fall of 1994, then BW senior outside linebacker Tony Oden '95 was chasing opposing quarterbacks, including recording four of nine quarterback sacks in a thrilling, 23-10 win at the University of Mount Union when BW was ranked No.1 and the Purple Raiders were No.2 in Division III.
Today, the BW legend is in his 14th season in the NFL and coaching the cornerbacks for the Detroit Lions. He loves coaching and teaching his defenders to chase quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. In 2010, the two-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference and Academic All-OAC linebacker was a member of the coaching staff of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.
"I am living out a lifelong dream of coaching in the NFL," said Oden, who along with his wife, Amanda, have two children, a son, Jaylen and a daughter, Ryan. "It took eight years to get to the NFL and then four teams to find a home in Detroit. I couldn't be happier for my family and we feel like we are making great progress with the Lions. Winning a Super Bowl title and getting that Super Bowl ring also was a very special moment.
"I still love to talk with some of my teammates from BW from time-to-time about our football experiences, and especially that game versus Mt. Union," said Oden. "BW helped to make me who I am today. The experience of playing football and being a captain taught me a great deal about the dedication and commitment it takes to be a good husband, father, teacher and coach. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world.
"I also look forward to playing the Browns," said Oden prior to the Nov. 12 game in Detroit. "They were my team while I was growing up. I still want them to do well, except when they are playing us [the Lions]!"
When Odens' Lions met the Browns last Sunday (November 12, 2017) in Detroit, it was his secondary that had an impact on his team's 38-24 victory with outstanding coverage on two separate endzone passes and intercepting a third.
