COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former NFL and Ohio State football player Jeff Uhlenhake has now passed the football playing baton to his two sons, Jake and Ben. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jake and Ben Uhlenhake are the sons of former high school state champion, Ohio State and NFL player, Jeff Uhlenhake

  • Jake is a junior wide receiver, and Ben is a freshman running back for Bishop Watterson

  • Their dad, Jeff Uhlenhake, has been coaching at Bishop Watterson for the past three years

Both Jake and Ben play for Bishop Watterson, which is set to face Toledo Central Catholic in the OHSAA Division III state football championship game. Their dad won a state title with Newark Catholic in 1982, and he’s now feeling excited for his sons. 

“It’s a very exciting time for my wife and our family with having two boys on the Watterson team. I was had the fortune of playing in a few state finals and won one. And now many, many years later, to have the opportunity to coach and be around my kids. My two boys, Jake and Ben, during this great time for what are some football,” said Jeff Uhlenhake.

Jake and Ben they feel like they are following in their father’s footsteps. 

“It’s amazing. I mean, he what he did through college, high school college NFL was incredible,” said Jake Uhlenhake. “And it’s fun to be playing the same sport he did and kind of doing what he did. Like he played in a few state championships in high school and we’re about to play in one now.”

The Uhlenhake brothers said having their dad as their coach can sometimes be some added pressure. 

“Of course, some added pressure is definitely added. So I mean, yeah, for sure,” said Jake Uhlenhake.

But because his sons play different positions than he coaches, he’s not as close as you might think. 

“I don’t spend a lot of time with them, but I do give them a little two cents here and there. Sometimes they don’t want to hear from Dad. They’ve got great position coaches that do a great job with them,” said Jeff Uhlenhake.

The future of the Uhlenhake brothers is bright, but as of now they are staying focused on high school and this moment. 

“My kids work very hard at sports and they’re good student athletes and I just want them to have success on the field right now. All that other stuff will take care of itself. I was blessed to play ten years in the NFL and stay healthy enough to get that done, and I just want them to have fun in this high school experience. It’s been a great time at Watterson,” said Jeff Uhlenhake.

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