Linebacker Jeremiah Espinosa ‘25 is a Communications and Media Studies Major on the Moravian University football team and is coached by Head Coach Jeff Long Jr. He spends his time working his multiple jobs and internship with athletics as well as staying involved as a Resident Advisor. One of his favorite fun facts about himself is that he is ambidextrous.
What is your favorite thing about football?
The people I meet and the level of respect we show to each other. Doesn’t matter how young or old a teammate is; none of them are the same. It’s awesome to see different personalities with people from all over the country.
Why did you choose to play at Moravian University?
I’m a family-oriented person, and I am from Bethlehem. All the people I love and support me like no other are here, so I think it was a great choice.
What is your preseason like?
Our preseason is called “Camp” and camp is not easy by any means. The good thing about camp is there are no distractions, you feel like you are in the NFL because all you do all day is football. If you aren’t practicing, in meetings, or working out, then you are either eating or sleeping. It’s hot and long, but you grow so much with your teammates since you are going through it together.
Biggest sports inspiration?
My biggest sports inspiration is the movie “Coach Carter.” It is a basketball movie about a high school team that gets a strict new coach, the players hate him at first but grow to love him as he puts them before basketball. A key moment in the movie is when the Coach locks up the gym mid-season because his players are on academic probation and kept it locked until they are in good standing. I say this because it reminds us that we are more than our athletic ability, and we are more than just athletes.
Why did you first get involved with this sport?
I always loved sports because my brother and cousins always played them. My first time playing football was when I was four years old for the Bethlehem Raiders Flag B team. Since then, I played football and basketball every year after that.
How do you spend your free time?
I am involved in campus so free time is hard to come by, but the realist answer I can give you is napping. If I’m not at class, football practice/meeting or have to do something RA/Club related, I am napping.
How do you balance your time?
Google Calendar, I use it religiously and it helps keep me sane and organized.
Challenges as an athlete?
I feel like the biggest challenges as an athlete are mental challenges. Say someone is coming back from injury and trying to perform the way you once did hurts your mental state as you play the game.
