Hold Your Rope with Rory Nicol

Sometimes the smallest things carry the deepest meaning. Rory Nicol's inspirational journey reflects that God's Plan can unfold in unimaginable ways.

In 2008, Ohio State head football coach, Jim Tressel, handed each player a simple piece of rope—a symbol of unity, continuity, and being tied together through hard seasons. Tight end Rory Nicol kept his rope, though over the years it was tucked away and nearly forgotten.

After the isolation of COVID and a difficult divorce, Rory found himself searching for hope. In 2022, while cleaning out his basement, he opened a small tin can—and inside was that same piece of rope. For Rory, it became a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and surrendering his life back to God.

God placed Rory at our Signature Event as a guest of Coach Tressel in 2024. By March 2025, he was back—this time sharing his story at our Founders Day Leadership Lunch and with our residents. He quickly fell in love with our mission: helping individuals find sobriety, purpose, and meaningful work. Rory's reconnection with Lt. Governor Jim Tressel has truly come full circle!

What started as a symbol of holding on has become something much bigger. Today, Rory uses that rope to remind others that life isn't just about surviving hardship—it's about lifting others when you're strong enough to do so. He now speaks to groups across the country and spends time each month mentoring incarcerated youth who are given the opportunity to build workforce skills at The Trades Institute.

At Emerge, we believe recovery is built through connection, purpose, and community. Rory's journey is a powerful reminder that when someone once pulled you through, you're called to turn around and pull someone else forward. That's how lives are restored. That's how hope is passed on. Please pass this message on!

Listen to Rory's message of HOPE — "Never Let Go of Your Rope": https://youtu.be/7OZjXmngvtU

More information about the "Hold Your Rope" initiative can be found at www.holdyourrope.com and by emailing Rory at Rory@holdyourrope.com.

Read the full story at: https://www.xeniagazette.com/.../former-buckeye-nicol.../