From the locker room laugh to the legal trademark, Jake Retzlaff has turned “ByJew” into a bold identity. When he jogged onto the field of BYU as their QB, he wasn’t just making plays—he was forging a history. The first Jewish starting QB at the LDS-owned university, where he wore his identity with pride and honor. From just using the moniker for cultural purposes to trademarking it, the move highlights what representation looks like in college football. In the new era of NIL, where cashing in matters the most, Retzlaff is doing far more than just TDs; he’s sparking conversations.
The story behind Jake Retzlaff’s nickname ‘ByJew’
When Retzlaff took the field as BYU’s QB, he brought more than just skill—a cultural first concept. The nickname ByJew is a witty twist on BYU. The alias typically started during his time in college at Riverside City College. There, his teammates used the same in reference to his Jewish background. What started as a playful thing, Retzlaff embraced with a whole heart, boating on his background and being submitted to the religion.
Far from being offended, he identified the nickname’s power for uniting identities across divides. “He has really bought into the culture here at BYU. I think that is the biggest thing. And then people start to see that and want to be like him — players on this team and also people away, not on the team. He has really just fit into that role perfectly. A BYU quarterback has big shoes to fill. He’s done so great in that,” said Chase Roberts, the BYU redshirt junior receiver. The nickname “ByJew” has grown into a symbol of self-expression and representation. As Retzlaff gained national visibility, so did his moniker. The nickname has gone viral, bridging cultures with heart and humor.
So proud of this guy right here. What a game! pic.twitter.com/OSBjaCYAJV
— Chaim Zippel (@UtahCountyRabbi) September 22, 2024
The Cougars and this Jewish QB have now become a national story, all thanks to Retzlaff’s success and the uniqueness of the partnership. Retzlaff was once ranked as the worst starting QB by PFF in the Big 12. And now, he is talked about as a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year candidate. What a drastic comeback.
Jake Retzlaff files trademark for his nickname
Retzlaff isn’t just leading the BYU Cougars on the field; he’s also building a brand of his own. The 21-year-old has officially filed a trademark for “ByJew.” He has certainly made waves with his new NIL deal with Jewish food brand Manischewitz. And now comes this trademark story. The moniker that he and his brother Reggie came up with for celebrating being the first Jewish QB to play for the Mormon university gained prominence even beyond the campus as he led the team to a 10-2 regular-season record.
According to an October 27 filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the term “ByJew” was first officially used on December 4, 2023, for marketing services promoting third-party goods and services, and earlier on October 1, 2023, for T-shirts. The moniker has gained popularity through merchandise associated with BYU (Brigham Young University).
Notably, Retzlaff supported the Chabad of Utah Community by endorsing their shirts via a link in his Instagram bio, with 100% of proceeds directed toward community initiatives. Meanwhile, various other sports brands and retailers have created and sold their own versions of shirts featuring the “ByJew” branding.
Retzlaff is also collaborating with trademark attorney Darren Heitner, known for guiding college athletes in building personal brands. In an era where branding plays a critical role in collegiate athletics, Retzlaff appears to be ahead of the curve, taking strategic steps to establish a distinct identity.
More about Jake Retzlaff’s Jewish background
Retzlaff is more than just a BYU QB; he is also a trailblazer for Jewish representation in college football. He was raised in a Reform Jewish household in Southern California. He also had a bar mitzvah and is deeply connected to his faith. Ratzlaff is affiliated with the Reform denomination of Judaism, which melds Jewish tradition with modern sensibility that prioritizes personal choices over a strict interpretation of Jewish law and altruistic values. He even plays football on Friday and Saturday nights during Shabbat. And he says that sports have become the very way to connect with his faith, along with inspiring young Jewish athletes.
His faith isn’t something to set aside—it’s on and off the field. And is a part of who he is from within. In Provo, he says, the community has been significantly welcoming with no pressure on him to change. His presence at BYU is also sparking conversations around religious diversity in sports. He once said that being Jewish at BYU makes him “the Jewish voice,” and he indeed boasts about holding that space.
The post Why is Jake Retzlaff Called ‘ByJew’? Is It Connected to BYU Quarterback’s Religion appeared first on EssentiallySports.
