There are three Jewish college students (out of 35,743) enrolled in Brigham Younger College, a private college in Provo, Utah, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And one among them occurs to be the soccer staff’s quarterback.
Jake Retzlaff, 21, led the BYU Cougars to a 10-2 report this season and gained press, reputation, and a attainable Alamo bowl bid, alongside the best way. He additionally garnered an endearing nickname, “BYJew,” one thing he makes use of himself, and the college, college students, and state of Utah have embraced its star player—they’re even selling T-shirts.
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Now, with the Cougars ending the season ranked No. 17 within the AP Top 25, Retzlaff has signed an NIL (Title, Picture, and Likeness) take care of the Manischewitz, a Kosher meals firm.
Each events announced the information in a video Thursday.
We’re proud to announce a collab that everybody noticed coming:@jretz11 (AKA: BYJew) & Manischewitz!
Jake made historical past this 12 months as the primary Jewish quarterback at Brigham Younger College. The world’s most well-known Jewish model, is thrilled to be sponsoring him on his journey! pic.twitter.com/lcUJA5eeRT— Manischewitz (@ManischewitzCo) December 4, 2024
The deal contains special-edition Retzlaff Matzo packing containers and the QB supporting the model on social media.
“Manischewitz has all the time been a part of my life,” Retzlaff mentioned, in an announcement. “I grew up with matzo with peanut butter as my favourite snack, and each Passover, my household and I made matzo pizza collectively. At Chanukah time our custom was making potato latkes. Now, at BYU, I will share these traditions with my teammates. This partnership is about greater than soccer — it is about creating connections and celebrating Jewish satisfaction in methods I by no means anticipated.”
Manischewitz was based in 1888 in Ohio. The 136-year-old firm, now based mostly in New Jersey, manufactures conventional Jewish meals and kosher merchandise like macaroons, wine, and matzo.
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The deal doesn’t embrace Manischewitz wine, although, as many on social media were quick to point out.
Ingesting alcohol is strictly prohibited by BYU’s code of conduct. Guidelines embrace abstaining from intercourse exterior marriage, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and even tea and occasional.
“We’re so proud to welcome Jake formally into the Manischewitz household this vacation season,” mentioned Shani Seidman, chief advertising officer of Kayco, the father or mother firm of Manischewitz. “He’s such an inspiration, and we’re honored to assist his thrilling soccer profession and dream. This partnership represents every thing the model aspires to be—celebrating our heritage and bringing consciousness to Jewish meals and excellence.”
The worth of Retzlaff’s NIL take care of Manischewitz has not been publicly disclosed, per Sportico.
