‘About Greater than Soccer’: Brigham Younger College Quarterback Indicators NIL Deal With Manischewitz

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 certainly one of them occurs to be the soccer workforce’s quarterback.

Jake Retzlaff, 21, led the BYU Cougars to a 10-2 report this season and gained press, recognition, and a doable Alamo bowl bid, alongside the way in which. 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 yr 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 at all times 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 can share these traditions with my teammates. This partnership is about greater than soccer — it is about creating connections and celebrating Jewish delight in methods I by no means anticipated.”

Manischewitz was based in 1888 in Ohio. The 136-year-old firm, now primarily based in New Jersey, manufactures conventional Jewish meals and kosher merchandise like macaroons, wine, and matzo.

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The deal doesn’t embody Manischewitz wine, although, as many on social media were quick to point out.

Consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited by BYU’s code of conduct. Guidelines embody abstaining from intercourse outdoors 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 and marketing officer of Kayco, the mum or dad firm of Manischewitz. “He’s such an inspiration, and we’re honored to assist his thrilling soccer profession and dream. This partnership represents every part 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.