Jake Funk Bio
Jake Funk (born January 11, 1998) is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, where he had a standout season in 2020, averaging 129 rushing yards per game despite the season being shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funk was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Jake Funk was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He attended Damascus High School, where he excelled as a football player. Funk was named the 2015 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and earned The Washington Post All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year honors. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he scored a record seven rushing touchdowns in the state championship game, finishing the season with a Maryland state record of 57 touchdowns. Despite his high school success, he was only moderately rated as a college prospect, receiving two-star ratings from ESPN and Rivals.com. However, he was recruited by several schools, ultimately choosing to play for the University of Maryland.
Path to American Football
Funk’s college career began in 2016 when he debuted against Howard University, rushing for 59 yards and a touchdown. Over his freshman year, he accumulated 136 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with seven receptions for 42 yards and another touchdown. His sophomore season saw him appear in all 12 games, where he recorded 145 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Funk faced challenges during his junior year due to injuries, including a torn ACL. However, he returned strong in his redshirt senior year, achieving his best statistical season with 519 rushing yards and averaging 8.6 yards per carry, ranking him first in the Big Ten Conference.
Jake Funk Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Jake Funk was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the team and was initially expected to contribute on special teams. However, he faced a hamstring injury that placed him on injured reserve shortly after the season began. Funk made his return in December 2021 and played a role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
Following his time with the Rams, Funk joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in October 2022 but was released shortly after. He then signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was promoted to the active roster in January 2023. Funk continued to navigate the NFL landscape, moving to the Miami Dolphins and later the Baltimore Ravens, where he was signed to their practice squad.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jake Funk’s signature achievement remains his Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. He has also been recognized for his performance in college, earning Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020.
Jake Funk Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jake Funk has received notable recognition, including being named Third-team All-Big Ten in 2020.
Jake Funk Awards Won
Jake Funk is a Super Bowl champion, having won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
Jake Funk Family
Jake Funk comes from a family of athletes. His father, Jim, played football at Penn State, while his mother, A’Lisa, was a national title-winning swimmer. Funk has a brother, Jordan, who played football for Army and later transferred to James Madison University.
Personal Life
Jake Funk began dating Hannah Ann Sluss, a former winner of The Bachelor, in November 2021. The couple announced their engagement on January 25, 2023, and were married on June 26, 2024. They are expecting their first child in June 2025.