Jake Schum: Defying the Odds with Relentless Determination

At Centric, we celebrate athletes who embody resilience, perseverance, and a relentless drive for excellence. Jake Schum’s journey from a small-town athlete to the NFL is a story of grit, passion, and the unyielding belief in achieving the impossible. Here’s an exclusive look at Jake’s inspiring story, training philosophy, and vision for the future.

The Background: From Dreams to Reality

Jake Schum’s love for sports began early, fueled by a childhood immersed in soccer and football. Growing up, the dream of playing in the NFL wasn’t just a wish—it was his mission. "The odds were slim, but I never saw it that way," Jake recalls. "I was determined to make it happen."

His journey with fitness began in high school football, where training focused on basic bodybuilding routines. But it wasn’t until after college that Jake truly embraced the gym. "I saw how strength and fitness elevated my performance on the field. I fell in love with the process—it became the foundation of my NFL journey and remains a core part of my life today."

CTA: Ready to defy the odds like Jake? Start your journey with Centric’s performance gear designed for relentless athletes. Explore Our Collections.

The Struggles: Overcoming Challenges

For Jake, the early stages of his career were marked by trial and error. "My biggest challenge was finding structure in my training," he shares. "I felt like I was guessing what to do and how to incorporate it into my football preparation."

That changed when Jake’s best friend introduced him to the Conjugate System by Westside Barbell. The structured, science-backed approach transformed his training. "It clicked. The system made sense, and I saw results almost immediately. The workouts became fun, and having fun kept me going."

Internal Link: Learn more about dynamic effort training.

The Turning Point: When the Call Came

Despite his talent, Jake wasn’t immediately picked up by an NFL team after college. "I was overlooked again," he says. But instead of giving up, Jake doubled down. For a year, he worked tirelessly—training in the gym and on the field—with his sights set on a kicking combine in Phoenix.

"That day at the combine was a turning point. I had an amazing performance, and two days later, the Cleveland Browns called to sign me. That one moment changed everything and got me into the NFL system."

The Training Journey: Built for Performance

Jake’s training philosophy is built on preparation, balance, and discipline. "Getting a workout in the night before and the morning of an event always put me in the right mindset," he explains. His routine focuses on both physical and mental readiness.

Key Components of Jake’s Training Routine

  • Physical Preparation: Stretching, soft tissue work, and light workouts to stay loose and strong.
  • Mental Focus: Visualization exercises, calm motivational music, and affirmations to lock into competition mode.
  • Staying Calm Under Pressure: "When I was younger, I’d get too intense and burn myself out. Now, I stay calm and collected—ready to perform at my best."

CTA: Want to build a winning routine like Jake’s? Check out Centric’s training accessories, trusted by top athletes. Shop Accessories.

Dynamic Training: Jake’s Favorite Workouts

When asked about his go-to workout, Jake doesn’t hesitate: Dynamic Effort Training. This high-intensity routine incorporates bands, explosive movements, and heavy volume work to build strength and endurance.

"I love dynamic lower-body days with box jumps and band work. It makes me feel strong, powerful, and athletic. These workouts push you to your limits and show how conditioned you really are," he says.

Internal Link: Discover how Jake trains with dynamic effort lower-body exercises.
CTA: Jake’s favorite training days require maximum durability and performance—just like our Hiflex-Impact Shorts. Discover the Gear.

Jake’s Advice for Aspiring Athletes

Jake’s journey is full of lessons for anyone starting their fitness journey. Here are his top tips:

1. Be Patient and Consistent

"Don’t go all out from day one. Let your body adapt. Progress takes time, but if you’re consistent, the results will come."

2. Control What You Can

"I used to stress over things I couldn’t change. Focus on what’s in your control and adapt to what life throws at you."

3. Debunk the Myths

One of the most common misconceptions Jake debunks is the idea that lifting weights makes you bulky or slow. "As an athlete, I needed to stay quick and explosive. With the right programming, you can achieve strength and speed without sacrificing agility."

CTA: Turn Jake’s advice into action. Equip yourself with apparel that pushes boundaries. Shop Performance Apparel.

The Vision: Building a Legacy

Jake’s NFL career included incredible moments, like playing in the NFC Championship Game, but injuries eventually led to the next chapter of his journey. Now, he’s focused on personal growth, helping others, and building his brand.

"I want to train pro athletes and mentor the next generation," Jake shares. "Long-term, I dream of opening my own gym—a place where I can share my story and help others achieve what feels impossible."

Jake also envisions expanding into motivational speaking and hosting events to inspire athletes around the world. "Fitness helped me achieve the impossible, and I want to show others they can do it too."

Centric Gear: Jake’s Favorites

Great athletes need gear that performs as hard as they do, and Jake is no exception. His favorite Centric pieces include:

  • Hiflex-Impact and Aero Shorts: "The comfort and functionality are unmatched."
  • 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve: "Versatile for layering and perfect in any workout environment."
  • Sunglasses & Cool Shaker: "Game-changers for hydration and outdoor training."

CTA: Inspired by Jake’s gear picks? Shop the collection trusted by top athletes. Shop Now.

Jake Schum: Always Evolving, Never Settling

Jake’s story is a testament to what’s possible with hard work, determination, and the right mindset. From overcoming rejection to making it to the NFL, his journey inspires athletes everywhere to push past their limits.

At Centric, we’re proud to stand by athletes like Jake Schum—individuals who live and breathe our mantra:

🔥 "Always evolving, never settling."

Closing CTA: Inspired by Jake’s story? Join the movement with Centric Gear. From Hiflex Shorts to dynamic hoodies, we’ve got everything you need to achieve greatness. Shop Now.

 

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Background The
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The Background: From Dreams to Reality

Jake Schum’s love for sports began early, fueled by a childhood immersed in soccer and football. Growing up, the dream of playing in the NFL wasn’t just a wish—it was his mission. "The odds were slim, but I never saw it that way," Jake recalls. "I was determined to make it happen."

His journey with fitness began in high school football, where training focused on basic bodybuilding routines. But it wasn’t until after college that Jake truly embraced the gym. "I saw how strength and fitness elevated my performance on the field. I fell in love with the process—it became the foundation of my NFL journey and remains a core part of my life today."

CTA: Ready to defy the odds like Jake? Start your journey with Centric’s performance gear designed for relentless athletes. Explore Our Collections.

The Struggles: Overcoming Challenges

For Jake, the early stages of his career were marked by trial and error. "My biggest challenge was finding structure in my training," he shares. "I felt like I was guessing what to do and how to incorporate it into my football preparation."

That changed when Jake’s best friend introduced him to the Conjugate System by Westside Barbell. The structured, science-backed approach transformed his training. "It clicked. The system made sense, and I saw results almost immediately. The workouts became fun, and having fun kept me going."

Internal Link: Learn more about dynamic effort training.

The Turning Point: When the Call Came

Despite his talent, Jake wasn’t immediately picked up by an NFL team after college. "I was overlooked again," he says. But instead of giving up, Jake doubled down. For a year, he worked tirelessly—training in the gym and on the field—with his sights set on a kicking combine in Phoenix.

"That day at the combine was a turning point. I had an amazing performance, and two days later, the Cleveland Browns called to sign me. That one moment changed everything and got me into the NFL system."