Jake’s a huge story and he’s one for all of us about courage and character and grit and vision and special qualities that few people would be able to hold on to.
Coach Pete Carroll
Jake’s a huge story and he’s one for all of us about courage and character and grit and vision and special qualities that few people would be able to hold on to.
I’ve loved football for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Pete Carroll, Matt Leinart, and Reggie Bush era of USC, I was hooked from the start. There was nothing like the electricity in the crowd, the rich traditions, the brotherhood, and the pure physicality of the game. Every fall weekend, I lived for Trojan football, dreaming of what it might be like to be part of something so legendary.
Then, at 12 years old, everything changed. When I found out I was going to lose my sight, my one wish for those last six weeks of vision was simple: see as much USC football as possible. Coach Carroll made that happen—and then some. That season was magical, a dream come true before my world shifted. After losing my eyesight, I assumed my football journey was over. But the game never let go of me, and I felt called to play again. I learned to long snap and earned a spot playing high school football at the highest level at Orange Lutheran.
That journey came full circle when USC came calling, offering me a walk-on spot on the Trojan football team. A childhood dream I thought had passed me by became reality—but in a way I never could have imagined.
Every fall weekend is still spent immersed in the game, whether I’m at the Coliseum or glued to the screen watching college football unfold. I’ve got my hot takes, my opinions on the Trojans, and plenty to say about the sport as a whole.
Check out more about how I became the first completely blind football player and how my dream came true—or dive into my latest thoughts on the upcoming season!
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When I first tried out for high school football, I had no idea how to long snap. In fact, I embarrassed myself so badly that I nearly walked away, convinced I had been foolish to think I could play football without sight. But that day, Coach Vies met me, and instead of seeing my limitations, he saw potential. He didn’t know if a blind football player could ever be good enough to make the team, but for reasons I may never fully understand, he had the faith and heart to teach me anyway.
At first, I wasn’t sure if snapping would ever click. I sent footballs flying in every direction, forcing Coach to chase down my errant throws during our hour-long practices. But persistence won. We met every day off campus, working in the heat of summer, determined to make this work. Slowly, improvement came. And by the time fall camp arrived, I wasn’t just capable—I was the best long snapper on the team, earning my spot on varsity.
Coach Vies was more than a coach—he was kind, uplifting, and had a heart for the Lord. I truly believe God gave him the eyes to see me in a way that no other coach did. Without his belief, faith, and hard work, I never would have become a football player. He didn’t have to take a chance on a blind kid who had never snapped a football in his life—but he did. And that’s the mark of a truly great coach. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who sees beyond what others believe is possible.
Rest in peace, Coach. Thank you for believing in me.
Visit the Saddleback Chapel Mortuary - Tustin website to view the full obituary.
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Interested in booking me for a speech? Want to do an interview to talk about life, faith, my latest football takes—or to hear my finest dad jokes? How about a round of golf where I promise not to gloat too much when I beat you! Whatever brings you here, I’d love the opportunity to connect!
Want to link up at the Coliseum, hear my behind-the-scenes football stories from my time on the team, or debate my latest hot takes on the sport? Fill out the form below and let’s make it happen!