Jacob De Jesus, a starting wide receiver for the California Golden Bears football team, is balancing multiple roles both on and off the field. In addition to being the team’s primary kick and punt returner, De Jesus has become known as a developing leader among his teammates.
Off the field, De Jesus is engaged to Kirstien Lopez and is the father of a five-year-old daughter, Amelia “Mimi” De Jesus. He is also pursuing graduate studies while supporting his family.
De Jesus’ competitive spirit extends beyond football. He is recognized by his teammates as an accomplished ping-pong player—a skill he learned from his late father, Rick, who passed away last year from cancer. The time spent playing ping-pong with his father at their home in Manteca remains a significant memory for him.
Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox commented on De Jesus’ drive: “He’s an extremely competitive guy,” Wilcox said. “He tries to win in everything. I love that about him.”
Before joining Cal, De Jesus contributed to UNLV’s football program by helping them achieve 20 wins over two seasons and participating in a record-tying 11-win season capped by a victory in the LA Bowl against Cal. During that game, he led all players with 142 all-purpose yards. His earlier football career included success at Modesto Junior College and as part of Manteca High School’s two-time section championship team.
Since transferring to Berkeley, De Jesus has worked to help integrate 56 new players into the Golden Bears’ roster for the 2025 season. He emphasized a collaborative approach to leadership: “When I arrived in January, I didn’t want to step in and start giving orders,” De Jesus said. “I wanted to work with guys who had already earned the right to lead.”
Teammates have noticed his influence through example rather than words. Wide receiver Jordan King noted: “He pushes everybody he’s around – not through his words but through his actions and hard work,” King said. “He is full throttle and if anyone is not doing that it makes them think that they need to match his energy, work ethic and intensity.”
Mark Hamper echoed this sentiment: “When I think of Jacob, I think of a leader of wolves,” Hamper said. “A leader of wolves leads from behind, and that’s kind of what Jacob does…Jacob is phenomenal and elevates this group to another level. He gives 100 percent, 100 percent of the time.”
Coach Wilcox added: “He’s what you consider an alpha…The term gets thrown around a lot, but he fits that.”
Family motivation plays a central role for De Jesus as well. Balancing parental responsibilities with athletics and academics motivates him further: “Having a kid is not an easy task, but it motivates you to become something in life,” he said. “You want to be successful so she can have a really good life…as parents you want your kids to have a better life than you, and I want to do that for my daughter.”
His mother Monica spoke about her son’s resilience: “Jacob has worked hard to get to where he’s at today,” she said. “To go through what he has…a lot of people look up to him because he’s getting it done. I’m very proud of him.”
Monica also believes her son’s experiences can serve as inspiration for others: “He can tell them to never give up on their dreams no matter what anyone says…There will always be challenges and people who doubt you but just keep pushing forward, work hard and stay humble.”
