A 1984 graduate of Ohio State, Shaun Gayle, a former Buckeye cornerback is known for his accomplishments both on and off the field. Although athletics have played a major role in his life, he has many titles under his belt.Not only is Shaun Gayle a former professional athlete, but also a licensed pilot, a successful author and an educator.Gayle was born in Hampton, Va., where he says athletics played a major role in the lives of young men growing up there. As a high school football standout, he was recruited by several colleges and universities. Following in the tradition of his brother Jimmy Gayle and hometown hero Ron Springs, Gayle decided to attend OSU because of familiarity. “I knew the campus, I knew people on campus, so when it was time for me to choose a university, it fell into place,” he said.Gayle credits OSU with giving him a stepping-stone into the real world, and the strong diversity of OSU left a major impact on his life.As an OSU football player, Gayle received many honors including being named Top Defensive Back by the Buckeye coaches in 1982.However, athletics were not his primary focus. While searching for his path in life he discovered his passion for writing and education. For Gayle, graduating with a degree in education was a top priority.”A degree not only proves that you finished the curriculum, but you should do it for the improvement of yourself,” he said. “Many of these young college athletes sign a contract for so much money, but they don’t have a clue about taxes or finance.” Graduation was his most memorable college moment, and he encourages all college athletes to pursue a degree. “You have to be strong not only mentally, but physically and intellectually,” Gayle said. “That’s why so many great college athletes don’t make it in the pros, because they can’t learn on their feet – the sounding ground is the university. All students should take advantage of that.”After graduation, Gayle entered the National Football League and played for the Chicago Bears. The two-time Pro Bowl selection and captain of the Bear’s Super Bowl team retired from a successful career after 11 seasons with the Bears and one with the San Diego Chargers. The end of one career led to another when Gayle began his work as a news reporter, pregame analyst and media personality for ESPN NEWS, ESPN and ESPN RADIO.Gayle uses his fame and exposure to emphasize to youth the importance of education. He frequently visits schools across the country as a motivational speaker and “just say no” advocate. However, he found that students seemed to be more interested in hearing about his athletic achievements.It wasn’t long before Gayle was inspired to become an author. Through athletic themes, he grabs the attention of young readers in his series of books, “Shaun Gayle’s Sports Tales.” The books motivate youth by teaching them that success can be achieved not only through athletics, but also through academic accomplishments. Gayle stresses the importance of pursuing a higher education in his books.Gayle, who says his greatest accomplishment in life is yet to be achieved, continues to be a key contender in the fight for education. He is writing more books for his series, which include the popular stories “The Little Quarterback” and “Jonathan McBoo.”He resides in Chicago, Ill., and remains active in the community and local school system. An opportunist, Gayle chooses to live a life of service, “If you provide for others, you will be innovated with opportunities.”