2021 NFL Draft: Justin Fields petition to Big Ten shows competitive fire

2021 NFL Draft prospect Justin Fields is proving his competitive spirit

The entire landscape has been drastically shifting, starting in the Spring, as the Big Ten (among other conferences) have made the move to cancel their fall seasons. This has not sat well with the players, including Ohio State and 2021 NFL Draft quarterback Justin Fields, who has started a petition to the conference to reverse their decision.

Fields, a prospect with little to gain from playing in 2020 and a ton to lose in terms of his draft stock, is willingly sticking his neck out to the conference in order to be on the field with his teammates as early as next month. While it may not have even have been in question, the competitive fire displayed from Fields here cannot be underestimated.

In this petition, which has now received nearly 30,000 signatures, issues the following statement to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren:

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"“We want to play. We believe that safety protocols have been established and can be maintained to mitigate concerns of exposure to Covid 19. We believe that we should have the right to make decisions about what is best for our health and our future. Don’t let our hard work and sacrifice be in vain. #LetUsPlay!”"

What Justin Fields has to gain in 2020

While there was a rumor earlier this past week that Fields would hire an agent and enter the 2021 NFL Draft, this would seem to discredit that. After just one year as the starting quarterback of the Buckeyes, it would appear Fields has some unfinished business after finishing one game from the National Championship matchup.

Finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting a year ago, Fields also entered the 2020 campaign as a favorite to win the award before the cancellation. Should he and Ryan Day have another year together, he could elevate his game to new heights on the field in Columbus.

Looking like a top-five lock in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Ohio State quarterback has unfinished business as he is not ready to call it quits on his collegiate career. A tremendous sign of leadership, Fields has displayed his fiery edge and competitive spirit by writing this petition.