In Omaha, Nebraska, high school football isn’t just a game — it’s a culture. Under the Friday night lights, where sweat, grit, and heart meet the roar of the crowd, dreams are born and reputations are made. It’s a scene built for heroes. And somewhere in the middle of it all, a sophomore quarterback is quietly waiting for his moment.
That quarterback is Jackson Gammel — 15 years old, calm under pressure, and laser-focused on the grind. A rising talent at Burke High School, Jackson isn’t your typical underclassman. He’s on the come up.
Jackson isn’t just practicing during scheduled team sessions. Long after the pads come off and the cleats are hung up, he’s still on the field — putting in extra reps, perfecting his footwork, tightening his spiral. And he’s not alone.
His older brother, Brayden Gammel, is a junior and a starting wide receiver for Burke. Together, they’ve turned after-hours practices into a family tradition. While most students are scrolling through their phones or hitting up fast food spots, the Gammel brothers are throwing routes under fading sunlight, chasing greatness in the quiet.
“I want Jackson behind center throwing me those beautiful touchdown balls,” Brayden said with a grin. “I push him hard because I know what he’s capable of.”
That bond between brothers goes deeper than just football — it’s accountability, motivation, and love. It’s two kids building each other up, determined to rise together.
Jackson, humble but confident, understands the value of patience. “I’m not able to show my talents without my spotlight,” he said. The words hang heavy — not cocky, but full of hunger. He’s not asking for a handout. He’s asking for his shot.
As a freshman, Jackson sat behind Nate Collins, a senior quarterback who led the Bulldogs through a strong season. Jackson watched, learned, and waited. He soaked it all in — the leadership, the pressure, the decision-making. When Nate graduated, Jackson saw the door crack open. But this season brought an unexpected twist.
Burke brought in Jasiah Summerfield, a transfer quarterback from Bryan High School — experienced, athletic, and ready to compete for the starting job. The move added some competition, but Jackson didn’t flinch.
“I’m not afraid of a little challenge,” he said. “Just waiting for my time.”
That mindset — focused, driven, unshaken — is what separates him. Jackson isn’t bitter. He’s better because of it. Every snap in practice, every throw during workouts with his brother, is preparation for the day his number gets called.
And when that moment comes?
“Once my name is called, I’m not coming out,” Jackson said, his voice steady.
He’s not just talking about getting in the game. He’s talking about staying in it, making a mark, and showing everyone that the quiet kid waiting in the shadows was ready all along.
So for now, Jackson Gammel stays on the grind. Patient. Focused. Dangerous. Because every football town loves an underdog story. And this one’s still being written.
