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By Ellie Janszen, JanszenE@Findlay.edu
After years of dedication and determination to the University of Findlay football program, Mike Jerrell has made his much-anticipated NFL debut. The 25-year-old offensive lineman, known for his remarkable drive and humble personality, recently took the field as a starter for the Seattle Seahawks, after earning his spot on the 53-man roster.
Jerrell received many accolades during his time at UF such as conference lineman of the year, first team all super-region by D2CAA, honorable mention all-American by the Don Hansen Football Gazette and the list goes on. He used his last season with the Oilers studying to receive his Masters of Business Administration and focusing on his NFL dreams.
Jerrell knew where and who he wanted to be with through his final years of athletic eligibility.
“They (Findlay) built me from a little boy to a grown man. From a development standpoint, Coach Allen put a lot of time into me,” Jerrell said. “I didn’t want to abandon ship and let someone else pick up where he left off. I wanted him to see me go to the next level as a product of his.”
A few years prior, Jerrell and Coach Allen went to watch two former UF athletes in the NFL, Drew Ogletree and Jason Moore, play against each other during Monday night football in Indianapolis, Jerrell’s home city. Coach Allen recalled the moment like it was yesterday.
“We were sitting in the stands watching and he looked at me and said this is not too fast for me, this is not too big for me,” Allen said. “We always thought the NFL was a possibility for him.”
Although it isn’t always seen at the D2 level, 25 NFL teams would come to scout Jerrell that next season. After getting on their radars, he continued to focus on his role as a leader within the football program and leaving his legacy.
In April during the sixth round of the NFL draft, Jerrell would receive the call from the Seahawks that changed his future and inspired many other aspiring athletes.
“This says it doesn’t matter if your college stadium seats 8,000 or 80,000,” Allen said. “Talent is everywhere.”
Jerrell misses his UF family but has found a new home in the Emerald City with the beautiful skyline and the relationships he has built with everyone in the organization.
“When you play football with guys for years and help continue to build a program it breaks your heart leaving that school,” Jerrell said. “It broke my heart leaving Findlay. I miss my guys, the brotherhood, and the coaching staff.”
As for his recent start, Jerrell calmed his nerves and made the most out of his opportunity by helping achieve a win. His performance secured a positive response from his coach which allowed him another starting chance this past weekend.
The Seahawks are set to take the stage against the Rams next Sunday.
