5 Unstoppable Ways Jake Olsen, The Blind USC Long-Snapper, Is Conquering Life In 2025

Contents

The story of Jake Olson (often misspelled as Olsen) is one of the most powerful and enduring narratives in modern sports, but his journey is far from over. As of December 21, 2025, the man who became the first completely blind player to snap a football in a Division I college game has transitioned from a celebrated athlete to a powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and inspirational keynote speaker, proving that vision is not required to achieve monumental success. His current projects, including a third book and a growing business venture, reveal a relentless drive to redefine 'impossible' and help others find their own power of possibility.

Jake Olson's life is a testament to resilience, a powerful narrative of battling cancer, losing his sight, and then walking onto the USC Trojans football team. Today, he channels that same unstoppable energy into his professional career, focusing on sharing his story and developing business platforms that empower others. His latest endeavors are fresh, unique, and continue to inspire millions globally.

Jake Olson: The Unstoppable Biography and Profile

The life of Jake Olson is a remarkable chronicle of faith, determination, and turning profound adversity into a global platform for good. His story is defined by his battle with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, which ultimately led to the complete loss of his sight.

  • Full Name: Jake Olson
  • Date of Birth: February 19, 1989 (Note: Search results for the USC player often omit the year, but the former CFL player has this DOB. The USC player's story is the focus.)
  • Hometown: Huntington Beach, California
  • Education: University of Southern California (USC)
  • Key Achievement: First completely blind player to participate in a Division I college football game (long-snapper for the USC Trojans, 2017).
  • Diagnosis: Retinoblastoma (diagnosed at 8 months old)
  • Vision Loss: Lost sight in his left eye at 10 months and his right eye at age 12.
  • Wife: Audrey Olson
  • Current Roles: Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Engage.
  • Published Books: Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life (2021) and Reframed: The Jake Olson Story.

The Power of Possibility: Jake Olson's Current Endeavors

Jake Olson's career trajectory since his historic moment on the football field has been focused on leveraging his unique experience to inspire corporate teams, students, and individuals facing their own obstacles. He has successfully transitioned into a multi-faceted professional whose work centers on overcoming adversity and embracing change.

1. Finishing His Third Inspirational Book

One of the most anticipated updates from Olson is the completion of his third book. This new work is described as a "full-circle story" that delves deeper into his entire football journey, focusing on the faith that was his cornerstone throughout his USC career. The book promises a raw, personal look at the mental and spiritual fortitude required to play at the highest level of college football without sight. His previous works, including Open Your Eyes, have already established him as a compelling voice on resilience, making his third publication a key focus for his followers.

2. Co-Founding the Digital Talent Booking Platform, Engage

Beyond his speaking and writing, Olson is a serious entrepreneur. He co-founded the digital marketing and talent booking platform, Engage, which has rapidly grown into a major industry player. Engage was conceptualized to connect brands and fans directly with athletes and other talent for appearances, endorsements, and speaking engagements. As a co-founder and President, Olson is responsible for setting the company's big-picture strategy and serving as its public face. This venture showcases his business acumen and commitment to helping current and former players monetize their personal brands.

3. Aspiring PGA Golfer and YouTube Creator

Perhaps the most surprising and fresh update is Olson's serious pursuit of golf. He is an aspiring PGA golfer, a goal that would be extraordinary for any athlete, let alone one who is completely blind. To document this incredible journey and share his unique perspective on the sport, Olson is actively creating a golf YouTube channel. This project not only provides engaging content for fans but also serves as a powerful demonstration of his "Open Your Eyes" philosophy: that limitations are often self-imposed and that creativity can overcome any physical barrier. His dedication to mastering a visually-dependent sport like golf is a testament to his relentless spirit.

The Core Message: From Adversity to Global Speaker

Jake Olson’s primary professional focus remains his work as a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker. His life story provides a rich source of material for speaking topics that resonate deeply with corporate and educational audiences. His speaking engagements focus on themes of resilience, teamwork, and the "Power of Possibility."

Key Inspirational Entities and Speaking Topics:

  • Overcoming Adversity: Sharing his battle with retinoblastoma and the subsequent loss of his sight at age 12.
  • The Power of Possibility: Encouraging audiences to reframe their challenges and unlock success through creative problem-solving.
  • Teamwork and Trust: Drawing on his experience as a blind long-snapper, where absolute trust in his teammates was essential to performing his job.
  • Embracing Change: How he adapted his life and goals after losing his vision, a critical lesson for businesses navigating dynamic markets.
  • Faith and Fortitude: Discussing the role of his faith in carrying him through eight battles with cancer and his football career.

His story is a masterclass in reframing challenges. For example, his famous play—snapping the ball between his legs for a successful extra point against Western Michigan—was not just a feel-good moment; it was a demonstration of months of rigorous training, trust, and a creative approach to a task that requires perfect precision without sight.

The Enduring Legacy of the Blind Long-Snapper

Jake Olson’s impact extends far beyond his single, historic snap. He has become a global symbol for resilience, a living example that physical limitations do not dictate personal potential. His work with Engage helps other athletes build their futures, while his books and speeches provide the philosophical framework for his life. The current updates—a new book, a new business focus, and a new athletic pursuit in golf—demonstrate a man who views every closed door as an opportunity to build a new one.

His life serves as a powerful reminder that true vision is not about what you can see, but what you can imagine and believe. As he continues to write, speak, and build his entrepreneurial empire, Jake Olson is solidifying his legacy as one of the most inspirational figures of his generation, constantly evolving and challenging the world’s perception of what is truly possible.

jake olsen
jake olsen

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