**A Unique Journey of Faith and Football in Provo**
In Provo, Utah, as the sun dipped below the horizon on Saturday, Rabbi Chaim Zippel gathered with a few members of his small Jewish community to celebrate the end of the Sabbath, a ceremony known as Havdalah. He held a cup filled to the brim with wine and a container of spices, symbolizing the conclusion of this sacred day, before they hurriedly changed into blue and white attire to cheer for the local football team at Brigham Young University (BYU), a private institution associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The rabbi’s connection to BYU deepened when the university introduced its very first Jewish quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, to the roster. Previously, Zippel had never seen himself as a fan of BYU or even football, but the impact of Retzlaff’s arrival changed that perspective significantly. Under Retzlaff’s leadership, the Cougars experienced an impressive streak of nine consecutive wins, only to see it interrupted by a recent loss to the Kansas Jayhawks. Nevertheless, with a current ranking of No. 14 in the AP Top 25, BYU still has the opportunity to finish the season atop the Big 12 Conference and contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Retzlaff has quickly garnered admiration from both the local Jewish community and the larger BYU fan base, who affectionately refer to him as the “BYJew.” As one of only three Jewish students among a student population exceeding 35,000, he has embraced his new role as a trailblazer, co-captaining the team and using his platform to share insights about his faith while simultaneously exploring Judaism himself.
“I initially came here with concerns about fitting into the culture, expecting to focus solely on academics and football,” Retzlaff shared. “However, I discovered that I do belong here in some way. People are genuinely curious about my background. In an environment where faith is so integral to many, it inspired me to delve deeper into my own beliefs.”
Retzlaff, who transferred from a junior college in California, developed a close bond with Rabbi Zippel after arriving at BYU in 2023. They began weekly discussions on the fundamentals of Judaism at the campus library, aiding Retzlaff in articulating his faith during public speaking opportunities and in the religious courses he is obligated to take. Students at BYU are required to study the Book of Mormon and various aspects of the church’s teachings, and Retzlaff discovered numerous connections to Jewish history within the Book of Mormon narrative.
His journey has led to classmates and supporters referring to him as “the chosen one,” highlighting both his athletic achievements and aligning with the Latter-day Saint belief that Jewish individuals are seen as God’s chosen people. Retzlaff humorously responded, “It’s very flattering, but I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed by that!”
At 21, Retzlaff has embraced his role as a representative of Judaism in a predominantly non-Jewish college football landscape, particularly in a state where only 0.2% of the population identifies as Jewish. He proudly wears a silver Star of David necklace on campus and participates in Shabbat dinners at Zippel’s home. His initiatives include leading a public Hanukkah menorah lighting in Provo, introducing a kosher food truck for the team, and wrapping tefillin — a traditional Jewish practice — at the BYU stadium with Rabbi Zippel.
Zippel expressed how performing the tefillin ritual in a football stadium was a fulfilling experience that provided Retzlaff with emotional strength, suggesting that this connection to faith would bolster him during intense game situations. Retzlaff identifies with Reform Judaism, which integrates traditional practices with contemporary values, emphasizing personal choice and humanitarianism. Although he plays games during Shabbat, he sees athletics as a means to unite with his faith and inspire young Jewish sports enthusiasts.
One such admirer is Hunter Smith, a 14-year-old quarterback from Chicago, who traveled to Utah along with his family and friends to witness Retzlaff’s game. The family donned Retzlaff’s jersey number, and their father proudly wore a “BYJew” shirt that illustrated Retzlaff against a backdrop of a Star of David. Smith expressed how significant it is for him to have a Jewish athlete to look up to, stating, “Jake’s unique status as the only Jewish quarterback in college football gives me hope and direction.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Retzlaff shared his sentiments during the menorah lighting event last December, noting the importance of his visibility, especially in light of the challenges some Jewish students face regarding safety and acceptance amidst rising antisemitism in the nation. His presence has significantly impacted peers like BYU graduate Malka Moya, who has navigated her own dual identity as a Jewish person and member of the Latter-day Saints community. “Seeing Jake confidently wear his Star of David often inspires me to embrace my own Jewish identity more openly,” said Moya, who resides near Provo.