BYU QB Jake Retzlaff, Teammates Travel To Israel For First Time
May 8, 2025, 5:54 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm
PROVO, Utah— BYU football’s first-ever Jewish quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, is visiting Israel for the first time.
Retzlaff, along with five of his BYU teammates, wide receiver Chase Roberts, kicker Will Ferrin, offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho, and safeties Talan Alfrey and Tanner Wall, arrived in Israel on Thursday for a memorable trip.
Jake Retzlaff visits Israel as part of Athletes For Israel
“It’s part of an organization, Athletes for Israel, which is an incredible organization. It just brings athletes to Israel to see what it’s like and to be able to explore the world,” Retzlaff said to KSL Sports.
On the Athletes For Israel website, they note that their mission is “dedicated to combating antisemitism and racism while promoting a positive narrative about Israel. We bring athletes to Israel, allowing them to experience the Holy Land firsthand, while fostering an authentic connection with its history, culture, innovation, and people.”
During their visit to Israel, Retzlaff and his BYU teammates will host a camp on Sunday, May 11, at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft sponsors the facility.
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Retzlaff spent time with Robert Kraft at the Unity Summit in New Orleans during Super Bowl week earlier this year.
“As athletes, especially with the schedule we have, we don’t have very much time to go see things that we’d love to see in the world. And Israel is one of those places,” Retzlaff said. “Israel is one of those places, especially, you know, any member of the Church here, or somebody like myself who believes in birthright and believes in that opportunity to go.”
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
