Like many football players, Jake Wieneke has experienced his fair share of ups and downs throughout his young career. But his breakout 2019 CFL debut was certainly the highlight of his journey as a professional football player. Here’s a look at some of the most important dates in Wieneke’s career thus far.
December 20, 2017
On December 20, 2017, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits receiver was named to the 2017 America Football Coaches Association Football Championship Subdivision All-America Team, after tallying 65 receptions for 965 yards and tying his school record with 16 touchdown catches that same year. With this title, he became the first player in SDSU history to garner All-America honours (first-, second- or third-team) in all four collegiate seasons.
Wieneke was a man among boys in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. At the end of his 4-year collegiate career, he was the SDSU career record holder in receptions (288), receiving yards (5,157) and receiving touchdowns (59). He also set the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision record with a reception in 53 consecutive games (all 53 games of his career). He was also honoured nationally as a Campbell Trophy finalist, awarded to the American college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance, and received the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Award for his outstanding involvement in the community.
April 28, 2018
On April 28, 2018, the SDSU standout got the call he had been waiting for. The NFL draft was winding down and Wieneke was still waiting for his name to be called. With five picks to go, he received a call from Minnesota wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell asking if he wanted to sign as a free agent if he wasn’t drafted. Growing up a die-hard Vikings fan, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He agreed to the terms shortly after the draft ended, becoming the third receiver from the state of Minnesota to join the Vikings, and reported to the team’s rookie minicamp a few days later. He had some solid performances in his first NFL preseason but was released on August 31, 2018.
January 10, 2019
On January 10, 2019, Wieneke signed his very first contract with the Alouettes. From his first moments in training camp, the 6-foot-4 and 215-pound receiver impressed the coaching staff and earned his spot in the starting group of receivers. When the season started, he showed his value from the get-go with spectacular catches, tallying up dozens up receiving yards and scoring touchdowns almost every other game.
September 21, 2019
On September 21, 2019, the young athlete played his best game of the season, hands down. With 6 seconds left to the clock, he capped a six-play, 94-yard drive with the winning 15-yard touchdown catch. This gave the Alouettes a stunning come-from-behind 38-37 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, after overcoming a 24-point deficit — the largest comeback in team history. That night, he had the best performance out of all the receivers, with eight catches for 134 yards, including one play that covered 44 yards. He was named one of the league’s top performers of the week.
November 7, 2019
On November 7, 2019, our star receiver was announced as a finalist for the title of CFL Most Outstanding Rookie following his excellent first season in the CFL. He was the fourth most prolific Alouettes receiver in 2019, tallying 41 receptions for 569 yards. Eight of Wieneke’s receptions were for touchdowns, placing him first on the team and fifth in the CFL for most touchdown receptions in 2019.
Calgary Stampeders linebacker Nate Holley ended up winning the award, but Jake nonetheless walked away with the two honorable titles of East division Most Outstanding rookie and Alouettes’ Most Outstanding rookie.
