{"id":35095,"date":"2025-05-09T00:57:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T00:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/35095\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T00:57:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T00:57:13","slug":"byu-qb-jake-retzlaff-travels-to-israel-for-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/35095\/","title":{"rendered":"BYU QB Jake Retzlaff Travels To Israel For First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

PROVO, Utah\u2014 BYU\u00a0football\u2019s first-ever<\/a>\u00a0Jewish<\/a> quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, is visiting Israel for the first time.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Jake Retzlaff visits Israel as part of Athletes For Israel<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s part of an organization, Athletes for Israel, which is an incredible organization. It just brings athletes to Israel to see what it\u2019s like and to be able to explore the world,\u201d Retzlaff said to KSL Sports.<\/p>\n

On the Athletes For Israel website, they note that their mission is<\/a> \u201cdedicated 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Retzlaff spent time with Robert Kraft at the Unity Summit in New Orleans during Super Bowl week earlier this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs athletes, especially with the schedule we have, we don\u2019t have very much time to go see things that we\u2019d love to see in the world. And Israel is one of those places,\u201d Retzlaff said. \u201cIsrael 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE<\/a>) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12\u20133 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch\u2019s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X<\/a>: @Mitch_Harper.<\/p>\n

Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go.<\/p>\n

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