Jake Retzlaff, the first Jewish quarterback in BYU history, has signed a name, image and likeness deal (NIL) with one of the world’s top kosher brands.
‘We are proud to announce a collab that everyone saw coming: @jretz11 (AKA: BYJew) & Manischewitz!’ read the announcement from the 136-year-old Cincinnati-based company.
‘Jake made history this year as the first Jewish quarterback at Brigham Young University. The world’s most famous Jewish brand, is thrilled to be sponsoring him on his journey!’
Details of the deal were not revealed, but Manischewitz has already released a commercial starring Retzlaff, who actually autographs some matzoh during the minute-long clip.
‘I’m Jake Retzlaff, the first Jewish quarterback ever at Brigham Young University, known as the ‘BYJew,’ he said while seated behind a microphone. ‘Lot of people have been asking: ‘What’s my next big move?’
‘I’m excited to announce that I’ll be joining Team Manischewitz,’ he added before unzipping his sweatshirt and revealing an orange, company-themed jersey.
Manischewitz is a 136-year-old company that Retzlaff says he’s grown up with in his home
Retzlaff (12) celebrates with fans after defeating Baylor in Waco, Texas on September 28
Rabbi Chaim Zippel displays his ‘BYJew’ sweatshirt picturing Brigham Young University’s first Jewish quarterback, Jake Retzlaff
‘Being Jewish growing up, Manischewitz was always in the pantry – especially around the holidays,’ he continued. ‘Jewish tradition is based around foods. I mean, how many holidays do we come together around a dinner table. Just about all of them.
Retzlaff appeared in only four games for the Cougars last season, but has helped push BYU to a 10-2 record in 2024 heading into bowl season.
The California native passed for 167 yards and added two rushing touchdowns as No. 19 BYU rode a stifling defensive performance to a 30-18 win over the Houston Cougars in Provo, Utah, on Saturday.
Retzlaff scored on runs of 13 and 7 yards, the latter coming with 2:52 remaining in the game to help BYU (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) reclaim its two-possession advantage. Houston (4-8, 3-6) had clawed to within six points earlier in the fourth quarter before Jack Kelly and Blake Mangelson teamed for the biggest defensive play of the contest for BYU.
With Houston facing fourth-and-7 at the BYU 44, Kelly sacked Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss and forced a fumble. After a mad scramble, Mangelson made the recovery at the Houston 18.
Five plays later, Retzlaff scored on third down to secure the victory for BYU, which was eliminated from Big 12 title game contention when Iowa State defeated Kansas State earlier.
For the season, Retzlaff has passed for 2,796 yards and 20 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions for the Cougars.
BYU is the most prominent LDS school in the US and has a strict honor code.
Rules on campus include no pre-marital sex, marijuana, alcohol or even tea and coffee.
Students are also required to regularly attend Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints services, according to the school’s website.
