Jacob Sale, 19, loves Boise State football. When Ashton Giunty, a star running back and Heisman hopeful, heard about what he had overcome, he invited him to practice.
BOISE, ID — Jacob Sale is 19 years old, but he's already faced challenges in life that few would endure. He was born with a rare heart condition and has undergone not one, but two heart transplants. He also recently suffered a debilitating stroke. Through it all, he has relied on his strong faith.
This week's Sevens Hero.
“When it comes to medicine, there is nothing you can do but trust God,” Jacob said.
Since his stroke, Jacob has worked hard to regain use of one side of his body. His parents, Jinjue and Andrew Sale, were always by his side.
“Jacob has worked very hard,” said Jingjue Sale, Jacob's mother. “He's been going to therapy 10 to 12 times a week and has started going to the gym.”
Jacob is a huge Boise State football fan. He loves going to games. He has been going there since he was little.
“We've been able to go to a few games this season and he's really just having fun chanting and integrating into the culture,” Jinjue said.
His favorite player is star running back and Heisman hopeful Ashton Giunty.
“One of, if not the best, college football players in the country,” Jacob said. “He's really great. I like watching him do things and I feel like he's a great person outside of football.”
Jacob said they shared the same deep faith in God.
“He gives all the glory and praise to God, and I respect that so much,” Jacob said. “We both feel that God has done a lot in our lives to get us to where we are today.”
Jeanty hears about Jacob and everything he has been through and invites him to the team's practice. He was treated like a star. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson welcomed them. Jacob was very excited to meet him. Danielson then called Jeanty and introduced them.
Giunty was impressed with Jacob's Boise State attire from head to toe. He wore a No. 2 jersey and also had blue and orange Nikes.
“Jacob, it was great just hearing your story. You know, when everyone says you're inspired by me, I mean two heart transplants. It inspired me to go through that,” Jeanty told Jacob.
Janty said she loves meeting her fans, especially those who inspire her like Jacob.
“I just want to connect with them on a personal level and talk to them and empathize with them. We can also talk about life outside of football. All of that is heartwarming to me,” Gianti said. Said.
Jacob and Janti often talked about their shared faith and overcoming obstacles. Giunty says he wants to leave a lasting legacy at Boise State.
“I don't want everyone to remember what I did, not just on the field, but off the field. The most important thing is what kind of person I am,” Giunty said. “That doesn't always come out, so I like to take time like this to show my true self.”
Jacob said he felt very lucky to have this one-on-one time with his football hero.
“It was surreal,” Jacob said. “He took the time to have a nice conversation with me, meet me, and sign my jersey and football card. It's really great.”
Giunty is currently the favorite to win college football's highest honor, the Heisman Trophy. Jacob is hopeful that Janti will win.
“I know the Heisman is about statistics, not character, but if it comes down to who he is as a person, he's definitely going to win,” Jacob said.
The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday, Dec. 14, during a live ceremony on ESPN. The 2024 finalists will be announced on Monday, December 9th.
People can follow Jacob and his journey Instagram.
