Image courtesy of Hudl
SANTA CLARA, CA – Massachusetts will never get the credit it deserves for producing talent.
It is what it is.
But, over the last decade or so, the Commonwealth has certainly climbed the ranks from a national perspective when it comes to high-quality talent that isn’t just offensive linemen or tight ends.
One shining example is former Belmont Hill star, now Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo.
Bobo was phenomenal at Duke before finishing his college career at UCLA. The North Andover native was not drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. Like the majority of his career, Bobo had to earn his way into the NFL, signing as a UDFA with Seattle, earning a roster spot and now, becoming an important piece of the offense for the NFC Champions.
During the Opening Night ceremony and media availability in San Jose on Monday, Bobo had a long line of reporters – local and national – lined up to talk to him. Once I had him for a fe minutes, I simply asked if he feels like his story lends truth to the ‘if you’re good enough, they’ll find you’ mantra that so many guys from New England or other small colleges need to have.
“100%. If your heart’s in it and you truly work your tail off, the sky is the limit, obviously,” he said. “I feel like I really am the prime example of a guy that doesn’t necessarily have all the physical tools, but I found a way and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”
So, what’s it mean to represent Massachusetts on the biggest stage in all of North American professional sports?
“It means a lot. It’s not exactly a football hotbed,:” Bobo said with a laugh. “So, it’s cool. There’s only a few of us that I guess have made it this far if that’s what you want to call it. But, to be able to be on this stage and represent people back home, it means a lot.”
Bobo was also asked if there’s any particular lessons he learned at Belmont Hill that he’s still carrying with him today.
“Not specifically, but I think I learned how to work hard there,” he said. “Athletically, academically and then that translates to life. That’s probably the biggest thing for me.”
Bobo used the full allotment of 15 tickets each player receives for the Super Bowl, with friends and family making the trip out to Santa Clara for the biggest moment of his professional life to date.
He also knows his friends won’t be rooting for the Seahawks, but the friendly banter back and forth and the experience in itself is what this is all about.
“The rule is, if you’re at the game, you’ve got to be in ‘Hawks stuff,” Bobo explained. “Now, my close buddies, they want another parade so they’re rooting for the Pats. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to disappoint them. I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s how that region works, that’s how my friends work, that’s how I work.
“So, obviously, I can’t be a Pats fan this weekend. But, yeah, I’m excited to go to a parade in Seattle rather than Boston.”