Jake Retzlaff, the first Jewish quarterback in BYU history, has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement 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 company.
“Jake made history this year as the first Jewish quarterback at Brigham Young University. The most famous Jewish brand in the world is happy to sponsor him on his journey!’
Details about the deal have not been announced, but Manischewitz has already released a commercial starring Retzlaff, who actually signs some matzoh during the minute-long clip.
“I’m Jake Retzlaff, the first ever Jewish quarterback at Brigham Young University, known as the ‘BYJew,’” he said as he sat behind a microphone. “A lot of people wonder, ‘What’s my next big step?’
“I am excited to announce that I will be joining Team Manischewitz,” he added before unzipping his sweatshirt to reveal an orange corporate-themed jersey.
Manischewitz is a 136-year-old company that Retzlaff says he grew up with at home
Retzlaff, 12, celebrates with fans after beating Baylor in Waco, Texas on September 28
Rabbi Chaim Zippel shows off his ‘BYJew’ sweater with the image of 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 on food. I mean, how many holidays do we get together around the dinner table. Just about all of them.
Retzlaff played in just four games for the Cougars last season, but has helped 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 posted a suffocating 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 left in the game to help BYU (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) regain its two-possession lead. Houston (4-8, 3-6) had pulled within six points earlier in the fourth quarter before Jack Kelly and Blake Mangelson combined for the biggest defensive play of the game for BYU.
While Houston faced fourth-and-7 at the BYU 44, Kelly sacked Houston quarterback Zeon Chriss and forced a fumble. After a crazy battle, Mangelson recovered on the Houston 18.
Five plays later, Retzlaff scored on third down to secure the victory for BYU, which was eliminated from the Big 12 title game when Iowa State defeated Kansas State earlier.
For the season, Retzlaff has racked up 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 premarital sex, marijuana, alcohol or even tea and coffee.
Students are also required to regularly attend services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the the school’s website.