OMAHA! Under the bright lights at Burke High School, sophomore quarterback Jackson Gammel is starting to find his rhythm on the field and his identity beyond it.
Gammel, a 10th grader, plays one of the most demanding positions in football. As quarterback, he is responsible for leading the offense, making split-second decisions, and keeping his team focused under pressure. While still early in his high school career, he has already had moments that stand out.
One of his best performances came during a junior varsity matchup against Bellevue East High School football team earlier this season. In that game, Gammel threw around 140 yards and two touchdowns, an accomplishment he considers one of his proudest so far.
“We still lost,” he said honestly, “but it was a good game for me.”
Like many athletes, Gammel did not always know football would become such a big part of his life. He credits his family, especially his brother and uncle, for introducing him to the sport.
“We used to watch football together all the time,” Gammel said. “I was not really into it when I was younger, but as I got closer with my brother Brayden, I started getting into it more. That is what led me here.”
That influence helped shape not only his interest in football, but also his determination to improve. As a quarterback, he understands that growth comes with time, effort, and learning from every game, win or lose.
But even with his commitment to football, Gammel has another passion that competes for his attention: fishing.
What began as a simple hobby last summer quickly turned into something much bigger.
“I went fishing one time, and I actually caught something,” he said. “After that, I never looked back. It is just fun, I love it.”
In fact, Gammel admits that if he had to choose, fishing might win over football.
“I like it more than football,” he said. “If I could be a pro fisherman instead of a pro football player, I would do it in a second.”
One of his most memorable catches so far is a six-pound walleye he reeled in at Lake Okoboji, a moment he still talks about with excitement.
Whether he is on the field or out on the water, Gammel values the sense of focus and enjoyment both activities bring. Football gives him structure, teamwork, and competition, while fishing offers relaxation and a break from the fast pace of everyday life.
Looking ahead, Gammel has clear goals for his future. He hopes to attend college, study marine biology, and, if possible, continue playing football at the next level. Still, he keeps a practical mindset about what matters most.
“If football doesn’t work out, I just want to make a stable living and support a family,” he said.
For now, Gammel continues to balance school, sports, and his personal interests, working to improve each day both as a quarterback and as a student. As his high school journey continues, he represents the kind of student-athlete that defines Burke: hardworking, honest, and driven, with goals that go far beyond the game.
“Football’s important, but fishing is what I really love.”
