USC’s Blind Long Snapper Jake Olson Makes Successful Debut

Blind long snapper Jake Olson took his first in-game snap for USC in a win over Western Michigan.

USC long snapper Jake Olson—who is blind—made his debut in the Trojans’ Week 1 win over Western Michigan, successfully snapping for USC’s final extra point of the game.

Olson has been blind since the age of 12, and had never played in a live football game before Saturday. He completed a neat snap and ended the Trojans’ game on a meaningful note, subbing in to help USC come back and win 49–31.

This is anything but a regular PAT.

Jake Olson, blind since age 12, just snapped for the first time in a live game. https://t.co/amyHcFoVue

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 3, 2017

Reflecting on the moment Sunday, Olson called his appearance a “lifelong dream.”

Thanks for all the love and support Trojan Nation! See below for a longer statement. Beat The Farm! pic.twitter.com/RXZKBz1r5U

— Jake Olson (@JakeOlson61) September 3, 2017

“It means the world to me knowing that I can and have inspired many through this experience,” Olson wrote.

Olson grew up a fan of the Trojans program and was present for many games, accompanying the team in the tunnel as a guest of the program during the Pete Carroll era from time to time. He was born with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the retina, and lost vision in his left eye at 10 months old. He lost sight in his right at age 12.

Jake Olson's guide dog, Quebec, got in on the postgame celebration! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/aDgAt2ND2w

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 3, 2017

After walking onto the team, the 6'4" Olson finally got his opportunity.