Ryan Day calls Tonight Show appearance intimidating

Winning a national championship comes with a whole lot more than a College Football Playoff trophy. Ohio State‘s Ryan Day learned of all the media attention coming his way quite quickly. One appearance was bigger than most, making his way to the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

A few months later, Day was asked to reflect on his day going on the show. He admitted the whole thing was intimidating due to his inexperience in the setting. Playing in front of 100,000 people in Columbus is one thing, being on a national talk show is another.

“Intimidating, for sure,” Day said via the College GameDay Podcast. “Completely out of my element. You think about being in a press conference postgame or playing in front of 20 million people on TV. You wouldn’t think that you’d be that worked up but in that environment, that’s a whole different world. Those folks, they’re professionals at what they do. It’s a different setting than a press conference.”

Usually, during a press conference, coaches are sitting at a podium with a group of reporters there to ask questions. Day says speaking to Fallon is completely different, answering questions about his team’s recent run to a national championship — something he has been working toward for several years.

The Ohio State head coach did not go in there alone. Day’s wife was there with him and got to see the entire 30 Rock Studios. They learned about all of the different shows shot there, not just the Tonight Show.

“Being at 30 Rock in New York City was a great experience,” Day said. “What I didn’t realize — Kelly Clarkson is right here. Right across the hall is Jimmy Fallon. SNL is right down the hallway. They’re all right there. Dressing rooms, hair and makeup. I was like ‘I’m good but my wife may want some.’ We made an experience out of it. It was really cool.”

While the national championship press tour was fun, all attention has turned back to the football field. Ohio State is now looking to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2007. Spring practice has wrapped up as well.

Aug. 30 will be the next time Day walks out on the field with his team. A massive opponent will be waiting for Ohio State on the other side, getting a College Football Playoff semifinal rematch against the Texas Longhorns.