CBB Interview with Jake Byrne

Jake Byrne has battled with type 1 diabetes since a young teen and has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, Jake has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger.

Recently Jake I discussed his battle with diabetes and his new teen devotional First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up.

PETE: What inspired you to write your book First and Goal?

JAKE BYRNE: While playing football for the Wisconsin Badgers, Coach Bielema passed on an email from ten-year-old Hunter. Hunter was the first type 1 diabetic child who reached out to ask questions about how I managed diabetes while playing football. Joey was next. He contacted me and asked a lot of questions to make his case to his mom who didn’t think he should play sports after his diagnosis. I got to know both of these great kids and ended up spending time with their families. These mentoring situations ignited my passion to encourage other kids not to let type one diabetes or any disease, disability, or situation define them or keep them from reaching their goals. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 14, I didn’t have mentors. I learned the hard way, through trial and error and wanted to encourage others and pass along what I’d learned. Since my days playing football for the Badgers, I’ve been involved in mentoring kids but writing a book allowed me to reach so many more. It gave me a greater platform to spread the message to never give up on goals and dreams no matter the obstacles.

PETE:  What reactions have you received from fellow players when they learned that in adition to the normal intensive training work required to play football, you also had to tackle type 1 diabetes as well?

JAKE BYRNE: The biggest reaction was shock. Most of my teammates never realized that I had diabetes because I did my best never to let it affect me on the field. Out in social situations teammates would notice my pump and ask questions. They were always surprised to find out that I had type 1 Diabetes. While playing for the San Diego Chargers, Phillip Rivers, quarterback for the Chargers, became aware that I had Diabetes. His young son had type 1 and he had to manage his care so he asked me a lot of questions. After a while, most teammates came to know that I had this auto-immune disease, but no one ever treated me any differently.

PETE: Your book is about more than just your struggle with diabetes…it is a book about faith. In light of recent bad examples set by some NFL players how did your fellow players react to your Christian faith?

JAKE BYRNE: I always felt trusted and respected by my teammates. Actually, there are more Christian players than not in the NFL. 

PETE: In light of the recent reports of domestic violence involving NFL players how important was your faith to you while a player?

JAKE BYRNE: Again, the attitude and perception of the public and the media of NFL players is different from reality. The media will blow up the one bad example, but will rarely mention the great examples or talk about the guys who are really living their faith on and off the field. Hands down, good Christian players outweigh the others tenfold. There are 53 guys on 32 teams and the vast majority of players are Christian athletes, but unfortunately, one bad apple spoils the image of all NFL players.

PETE: This book is aimed at teens. What is your greatest hope for this book?

JAKE BYRNE: That it reaches that person having a tough time and struggling through a bad moment. I want to help them change their perspective and see a light of hope in the midst of their despair. I want that person to understand God’s path for them and never give up as they press on toward their goals.

 PETE:  Specifically when talking about young men in football, do you have any suggestions on how they can share their faith with their fellow players?

 JAKE BYRNE: Growing up I was apart of FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We shared our faith with other believers as well as invited other teammates to join the weekly events every Thursday. I would encourage young men to join with other Christians and be a part of the Christian organizations in their community, such as the FCA. Also, really living the faith will open up opportunities to share about your relationship with God.

PETE: Time for my signature ending question. This is a blog about books. What is currently on your bookshelf to read?

JAKE BYRNE: One of my heroes of football is the late Reggie White (Green Bay Packers) – also called, Minister of Defense. I’ve had his book, “In the Trenches” on my shelf for a while but haven’t read it yet. I just came across it and am looking forward to reading it. My mom is also an author and I want to read her book, “Crooked Lines.”

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