Each week during the college football season we will feature a player who is an officer for an Uplifting Athletes Chapter for our Beyond the Trophy series.
Name: Jake Moertl
College: Western Michigan
Height, weight, class, position: 6-0, 195-pound, junior, safety
High School: Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois
About Jake: The Illinois native found the field early in his Broncos career and is now looking to make an impact serving the Rare Disease Community. Jake participated in the inaugural Western Michigan Lift For Life in 2019 and volunteered to assume a leadership role. He attended the 2020 Leadership Development Conference and is excited to help the Western Michigan program support the rare disease cause. He appeared in 23 games his first two years at Western Michigan primarily on special teams. Last season he played in all 13 games and recorded his first career tackle. This season he’s earning more snaps as a reserve safety and has six tackles in 2020.
What is your most memorable experience as a college football player?
MOERTL: My first collegiate game in 2018 against Syracuse.
What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes?
MOERTL: A connection to the Rare Disease Community that has impacted my family’s life.
What have you learned from your experience with Uplifting Athletes?
MOERTL: It’s bigger than a game. We have the platform as athletes to impact and support those in the Rare Disease Community.
What advice would you share with someone in high school looking to play college football?
MOERTL: Listen and consider what your family sees for you, but this is your life and decision. Follow the guidance of your loved ones, but don’t allow them to make the final decision for you.
Who is your favorite NFL player and why?
MOERTL: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins because he is an incredibly faithful christian and a humble person.
If you could have lunch with any one person (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
MOERTL: My dad because he’s had the greatest impact on my life.
JAKE ON THE HOT SEAT
What is your perfect pizza?
MOERTL: Veggie
All time favorite movie?
MOERTL: Remember The Titans
What is your go-to fast food restaurant?
MOERTL: Potbelly
Favorite sports team (any sport)?
MOERTL: Chicago Bears
What is the most used app on your phone?
MOERTL: Credit Karma
