'About More than Football': Brigham Young University Quarterback Signs NIL Deal With Manischewitz The value of BYU QB Jake Retzlaff's deal with Manischewitz has not been disclosed.

By Erin Davis

There are three Jewish students (out of 35,743) enrolled in Brigham Young University, a private college in Provo, Utah, run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And one of them happens to be the football team's quarterback.

Jake Retzlaff, 21, led the BYU Cougars to a 10-2 record this season and gained press, popularity, and a possible Alamo bowl bid, along the way. He also garnered an endearing nickname, "BYJew," something he uses himself, and the school, students, and state of Utah have embraced its star player—they're even selling T-shirts.

Related: Why Every Athlete Should Think Like a Startup Founder

Now, with the Cougars finishing the season ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25, Retzlaff has signed an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Manischewitz, a Kosher food company.

Both parties announced the news in a video Thursday.

The deal includes special-edition Retzlaff Matzo boxes and the QB supporting the brand on social media.

"Manischewitz has always been part of my life," Retzlaff said, in a statement. "I grew up with matzo with peanut butter as my favorite snack, and every Passover, my family and I made matzo pizza together. At Chanukah time our tradition was making potato latkes. Now, at BYU, I'm able to share these traditions with my teammates. This partnership is about more than football — it's about creating connections and celebrating Jewish pride in ways I never expected."

Manischewitz was founded in 1888 in Ohio. The 136-year-old company, now based in New Jersey, manufactures traditional Jewish food and kosher products like macaroons, wine, and matzo.

Related: This Celebrity Chef Got His Start Cooking for His Football Teammates — Here's How He Turned It Into a Career

The deal does not include Manischewitz wine, though, as many on social media were quick to point out.

Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited by BYU's code of conduct and the Morman Church. Rules include abstaining from sex outside marriage, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and even tea and coffee.

"We are so proud to welcome Jake officially into the Manischewitz family this holiday season," said Shani Seidman, chief marketing officer of Kayco, the parent company of Manischewitz. "He is such an inspiration, and we are honored to support his exciting football career and dream. This partnership represents everything the brand aspires to be—celebrating our heritage and bringing awareness to Jewish food and excellence."

The value of Retzlaff's NIL deal with Manischewitz has not been publicly disclosed, per Sportico.

Erin Davis

Entrepreneur Staff

Freelance Writer

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business News

'More Soul-Crushing Than Ever': Popular Hiring Platform Finds Around 20% of Its Postings Were 'Ghost Jobs'

Is that job listing too good to be true? There's a one-in-five chance that it might be.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Business News

'Masculine Energy Is Good': Mark Zuckerberg Tells Joe Rogan He Thinks Companies Need More Aggression

On the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said corporate culture has become "neutered."