The first Jewish starting quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU) has secured a groundbreaking NIL sponsorship deal with an iconic Jewish food brand, making history both on and off the field.
Jake Retzlaff, 21, a junior from Pomona, California, has made waves at the historically Mormon institution, BYU, where only a small percentage of students are Jewish.
As the first Jewish quarterback to play for BYU, Retzlaff has led the team to a 10-2 record and a top-25 national ranking.
In a move that has captured national attention, Retzlaff has partnered with Manischewitz, marking the kosher food company's first-ever sports sponsorship, Jewish Telegraph Agency reported.
Manischewitz was founded in 1888 and is known for its matzo and kosher wine."Manischewitz has always been part of my life," Retzlaff said. "I grew up with matzo with peanut butter as my favorite snack, and every Passover, my family and I made matzo pizza together. At Chanukah time our tradition was making potato latkes."
The deal includes limited-edition matzo boxes featuring Retzlaff's image, alongside content celebrating Jewish traditions. Manischewitz said the product will "celebrate the intersection of athletic achievement and cultural heritage."
The sponsorship has resonated beyond the football field, particularly at a time when Jewish communities have been facing increased challenges.
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