James Laurinaitis Shares Favorite Memory of Ex-Ohio State Coach Bill O'Brien

James Laurinaitis recalled a joint practice he had with then-Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien, calling it the hardest practice of his career.

James Laurinaitis developed a reputation of being a hard worker when he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Now the linebackers coach at his former school, Laurinaitis told reporters often reflects on his playing days when teaching the next generation of Buckeyes. It is Laurinaitis' belief that instruction has a stronger effect when it comes from lived experience.

"I just think playing gives me a perspective of, I also know what mentally and physically what these players are going through," Laurinaitis said. "I know what plays are realistic to make and what aren't. I think the guys appreciate that."

Laurinaitis followed up his time playing at Ohio State with an eight-year career in the National Football League (NFL), during which time he accumulated the wealth of knowledge he now shares with his players. There is, however, one grueling memory that stands out from the rest in Laurinaitis' mind.

Towards the end of his session with the media on Tuesday, Laurinaitis was asked what interactions he'd had with Bill O'Brien when he was with the program as offensive coordinator. Laurinaitis responded that he hadn't gotten the chance to speak with O'Brien before he left to take the helm at Boston College last month.

Laurinaitis then said he would have liked to tell the coach about a common memory they had from their days in the NFL.

"I wanted to bring up the fact that I think when I was playing for the (New Orleans) Saints, we practiced against him when he was head coach of the (Houston) Texans and what I think was the hardest practice I've ever gone through in my life," Laurinaitis said. "That was the first time in a practice of my career where I thought about 'I'm not sure I'm going to make it.'"