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BYU QB Jake Retzlaff makes life-changing journey to discover his roots

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 9, 2025 2:09 PM ET

When Jake Retzlaff stepped off the plane in Tel Aviv, he wasn’t just crossing time zones—he was stepping into history.

Jake Retzlaff isn’t just any quarterback—he’s BYU’s first-ever Jewish signal-caller, and this May marked his first visit to Israel. Alongside five Cougar teammates, including Chase Roberts and Will Ferrin, Retzlaff is participating in a cultural immersion organized by Athletes For Israel, a group that brings athletes to the region to combat antisemitism and promote unity. “It just brings athletes to Israel to see what it’s like and to be able to explore the world,” Retzlaff told KSL Sports.

As a prominent figure in the Latter-day Saint community and a believer in the Jewish concept of birthright, Retzlaff’s visit bridges both sides of his identity. He and his teammates will host a youth football camp at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem on May 11. That same campus is funded by Patriots owner Robert Kraft—whom Retzlaff met earlier this year during the Unity Summit at Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

For a quarterback looking to take the next step, Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, this trip is about more than stats. “As athletes… we don’t have very much time to go see things that we’d love to see in the world,” Retzlaff said. With spring practices behind him and fall camp ahead, this visit offers perspective, growth, and leadership development that could reshape how he leads in Provo come September.

As Retzlaff walks through ancient streets, he’s also paving a new path for future Cougar athletes: one that honors tradition while embracing change.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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