Denny Hamlin’s latest move has NASCAR fans buzzing in a way they didn’t expect. Known for his candid, no-holds-barred approach both on and off the track, Hamlin has earned his place as one of the sport’s most divisive figures. But this time, it’s not his driving that’s drawing attention—it’s his unexpected allegiance to the Ohio State football team. His choice has sparked a wave of reactions, some cheering him on, while others are wondering just how much his off-track antics can affect his image.
For a driver with 54 NASCAR wins, including two Daytona 500 victories, Denny Hamlin is no stranger to controversy. His strong personality and competitive spirit often rub some fans the wrong way, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. However, his recent display of enthusiasm for the Ohio State Buckeyes has thrown fuel on an already burning fire.
During an Ohio State game last November, Hamlin was seen in the stands, passionately supporting the team as they triumphed over the Indiana Hoosiers. While some fans were excited by his enthusiasm, others took a different view, questioning his loyalty and connecting the incident to his already polarizing reputation.
The situation took a comedic turn when Hamlin was caught on camera during another game, struggling to sing along to the Ohio State anthem. As fans cheered around him, Hamlin admitted he didn’t know the words, opting instead to wave his arms in the air. This lighthearted moment quickly spread on social media, prompting mixed reactions from fans—while some enjoyed his carefree attitude, others saw it as a reason to turn against him.
While Hamlin seems to thrive on the attention, his support for the Ohio State team has raised some serious questions among fans. Many expressed their displeasure, with one stating, “Just when I thought I couldn’t dislike him any more…” Others simply couldn’t understand his support for the team, adding to the growing list of reasons some fans have found to criticize the driver. In a sport where loyalty is often key, aligning with the wrong football team appears to have struck a nerve with some.
Despite all the noise, Hamlin seems unfazed by the backlash. Whether it’s his candid nature or his ongoing ability to polarize, he remains a constant source of conversation within the NASCAR community. With the Ohio State incident being just the latest chapter in his career, it’s clear that his image will continue to evolve—whether for better or for worse.
Do you think Hamlin’s new football allegiance will change how fans perceive him, or will it just add to his complex persona? Only time will tell if this latest controversy helps or hinders his popularity in NASCAR.