Jake Funk is a professional American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 11, 1998, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Funk has had a notable journey from high school stardom to playing for multiple NFL teams. Known for his resilience and determination, Funk has made a name for himself despite facing significant challenges, including injuries. This post delves into his early life, career, personal life, and other interesting facts about this dedicated athlete.
Jake Funk Salary, Family, Net Worth, Wife & More
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jake Funk |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1998 (26 as in 2024) |
| Birthplace | Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 204 lb (93 kg) |
| College | University of Maryland |
| NFL Draft | 2021, 7th Round (233rd overall) by Los Angeles Rams |
| Current Team | Detroit Lions |
| Position | Running Back |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1-2 million |
| Salary | Varies (Based on contracts and team agreements) |
| Years Active | 4th Season |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Hannah Ann Sluss |
| Instagram Followers | Over 50,000 |
Early Life of Jake Funk
Jake Funk was born on January 11, 1998, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He attended Damascus High School, where he was a standout football player. Funk was named the 2015 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and The Washington Post All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year. During his senior year, he set a state championship game record with seven rushing touchdowns and finished the season with a Maryland state record of 57 touchdowns. Despite his high school success, Funk was a moderately-rated prospect, eventually committing to play college football at the University of Maryland.
Career of Jake Funk
Jake Funk’s college career at Maryland was marked by both impressive performances and significant injuries. He debuted in 2016, showing promise with 29 carries for 136 yards and one touchdown. In his sophomore year, he improved his stats, but injuries hampered his junior and redshirt junior years. Funk’s resilience paid off in his redshirt senior year during the COVID-19-shortened season, where he averaged 129 rushing yards per game and led the Big Ten Conference with an average of 8.6 yards per carry.
Funk declared for the 2021 NFL Draft and was selected in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Rams. He played a role in special teams and was part of the team that won Super Bowl LVI. His professional journey has seen him move across several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and currently, the Detroit Lions.
Boyfriend/Husband of Jake Funk
Jake Funk is engaged to Hannah Ann Sluss, a former winner of The Bachelor. The couple began dating in November 2021 and announced their engagement on January 25, 2023. Their relationship has been highlighted in various media outlets, showcasing their strong bond and shared journey.
Family of Jake Funk
Jake Funk comes from a family of athletes. His father, Jim, played football for Penn State, and his mother, A’Lisa, was a national title-winning swimmer at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. His older brother, Josh, played lacrosse at Ohio State University and professionally, while his younger brother, Jordan, played football for Army before transferring to James Madison. Funk’s family has been a significant support system throughout his career, especially during his injury rehabilitations.
Some Facts About Jake Funk
- Multi-Sport Family: Jake’s family has a rich history in sports, with members excelling in football, swimming, and lacrosse.
- Musical Talent: Jake enjoys playing the guitar and often shares videos of his performances on Instagram.
- Fishing Enthusiast: He has a passion for fishing, frequently posting about his fishing adventures on social media.
- Resilient Athlete: Despite facing two ACL tears in college, Jake’s determination and hard work have propelled him to continue his professional football career.
Awards
- Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year (2015)
- The Washington Post All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
- Third-team All-Big Ten (2020)
- Super Bowl LVI Champion (2022)