Serving Columbus, Ohio State National Champion Duo Lifts Cane’s
Raising the bar on and off the court, Columbus, Ohio, has long been a hub of athletic excellence. Over the years, it has witnessed the rise of extraordinary talent in a variety of sports, from football to basketball to soccer. However, this year, the city has seen something even more spectacular—the intersection of elite sports performance with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. Leading the way in this new era are two former Ohio State University (OSU) national champions who are making a mark in an unexpected arena: the world of fast food.
The champions in question? None other than C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, former Buckeyes football standouts who brought home a national title to Ohio State before departing for the NFL. Today, their story has taken an exciting twist as they’ve brought their talents to the restaurant industry. Through their partnership with Raising Cane’s, a popular fast food chain specializing in chicken fingers, they’ve become influential figures not just in football, but in food, franchising, and community building. Their journey is one of ambition, success, and a deep connection to their roots in Columbus.
This article will explore how Stroud and Smith-Njigba’s championship mentality has translated into business success, the influence of Ohio State on their careers, and how their franchise with Raising Cane’s is serving up more than just chicken fingers. It’s a recipe for success that underscores the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication, both on and off the field.
A Championship Legacy at Ohio State University
Before they were known as entrepreneurs, C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were already heroes in the eyes of Buckeyes fans. Both athletes made significant contributions to Ohio State’s storied football program, helping the team rise to national prominence and secure a championship berth during their tenure.
C.J. Stroud, a quarterback for OSU from 2020 to 2022, was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in college football. His leadership and on-field performance, particularly during the 2022 season, earned him numerous accolades, including All-Big Ten honors and a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Stroud’s ability to read defenses and execute precise passes was key to Ohio State’s offensive success. He led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff, a feat that culminated in a thrilling championship game appearance. Although Ohio State did not capture the national title that year, Stroud’s legacy as one of the program’s most accomplished quarterbacks was firmly cemented.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver, was another star who helped elevate Ohio State to elite status. His explosive performances in key games, including an unforgettable 2022 Rose Bowl where he set a record for receiving yards in a single game, put him on the map as one of the premier wideouts in college football. Smith-Njigba’s combination of speed, agility, and football IQ made him an indispensable part of the Buckeyes’ offense. As a result, he became a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
Together, Stroud and Smith-Njigba made an indelible impact on Ohio State’s football program, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. Their championships and accolades solidified their status as two of the most talented athletes ever to wear the scarlet and gray. But while their time at OSU was marked by athletic achievements, their journey was just beginning.
Transitioning from Football to Franchising
After their illustrious careers at Ohio State, both Stroud and Smith-Njigba moved on to the NFL. Stroud was selected by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, while Smith-Njigba joined the Seattle Seahawks in the first round. But despite the challenges of transitioning to the professional ranks, neither athlete forgot about the lessons they learned while at OSU.
For both Stroud and Smith-Njigba, the world of business became the next big challenge to conquer. During their time in Columbus, the two formed a close friendship and began discussing their future plans together. They realized that, in addition to their football careers, they both had a strong desire to explore entrepreneurship and give back to the community that supported them throughout their journey.
In 2024, Stroud and Smith-Njigba made an unexpected but inspired decision. They decided to invest in a Raising Cane’s franchise in Columbus, a city they loved and a brand they trusted. Raising Cane’s, founded in 1996 by Todd Graves in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has become known for its simple yet delicious menu—primarily chicken fingers, fries, toast, and coleslaw. Its commitment to high-quality food, fast service, and a friendly atmosphere made it a natural fit for Stroud and Smith-Njigba, who were both eager to bring something new and exciting to their hometown.
Their partnership with Raising Cane’s was driven by more than just a desire for business success—it was also about creating an impact. The duo recognized that the restaurant industry was a powerful platform for engaging with the community and providing job opportunities. Both athletes were committed to using their success to create a positive impact in Columbus, and they saw the Raising Cane’s franchise as the perfect vehicle to do so.
Business Approach: Drawing on Championship Mentality
When Stroud and Smith-Njigba decided to enter the fast food world, they did so with the same dedication and focus that propelled them to football greatness. Their championship mentality, honed through years of rigorous training, competition, and adversity, became their guiding principle in business.
The duo embraced the Raising Cane’s culture of simplicity and excellence. Their approach to franchising was grounded in a commitment to providing customers with not just great food but also an unforgettable experience. They understood that the key to success in business—just like in football—was about consistency, teamwork, and building strong relationships with employees and customers alike.
One of their early moves was to place a strong emphasis on community engagement. Stroud and Smith-Njigba were both deeply involved in local charitable initiatives, using their platform to support local schools, youth programs, and underserved communities. Their involvement in the restaurant’s daily operations went beyond just the numbers; they took pride in fostering a positive work culture, training staff, and ensuring that every customer left satisfied.
Their efforts were not just about selling chicken fingers—they were about selling an experience. The focus was on creating a family-friendly atmosphere, offering great service, and making sure that customers felt connected to the brand. The franchise quickly became a local favorite, attracting not only fans of Raising Cane’s but also new customers who appreciated the personal touch brought by the Ohio State champions.
Expanding the Reach: A Growing Presence
As the Raising Cane’s franchise began to flourish in Columbus, Stroud and Smith-Njigba set their sights on expansion. They realized that their business model had the potential to resonate beyond their hometown and into other parts of Ohio and the Midwest. They saw an opportunity to create jobs and bring high-quality food to a wider audience.
This growth strategy wasn’t just about opening more stores; it was about maintaining the same level of excellence and commitment to quality that had made their first location so successful. Their vision was to create a network of Raising Cane’s restaurants that would serve as pillars in the communities they entered, much like Ohio State had served as a pillar in their own lives.
Stroud and Smith-Njigba’s journey from football champions to successful restaurateurs has been a remarkable one. Their ability to transfer the skills they learned on the field—such as leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—into their business ventures has been a key factor in their success. Their Raising Cane’s franchise is now poised to expand further, bringing their vision of community-focused, high-quality fast food to even more locations across the Midwest.
The Legacy of Two Ohio State Champions
For C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, their journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and vision. They have proven that greatness doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows. Their commitment to their hometown, their championship mentality, and their entrepreneurial spirit have allowed them to make an indelible impact in the world of business.
By partnering with Raising Cane’s, Stroud and Smith-Njigba have taken the lessons they learned on the football field and applied them in a new and exciting way. Their story serves as a reminder that success is not just about winning championships—it’s about using that success to create positive change and to inspire others to achieve greatness in their own lives.
As Stroud and Smith-Njigba continue to build their Raising Cane’s empire, they are not only serving up delicious food but also serving their community with the same passion and dedication that made them champions at Ohio State. Their story is one of triumph, both on and off the field, and it’s a journey that continues to inspire others to chase their dreams and make an impact in the world.