Jake Muasau

Football

Where Are They Now Wednesday - Jake Muasau

Our student-athletes are what make Georgia State so special. Our 'Where Are They Now Wednesday' segments feature former student-athletes from across all of our sports and not only look back on their accomplishments, but where they are now.

The story of "Jake" Manumalo Muasau is so much more than football, but his football record is pretty impressive as well. After being the top playmaker on the Georgia State defense in the Panthers' first two seasons, he was voted by his teammates as GSU's Most Valuable Defensive Player for 2010 and 2011. He finished his career as GSU's career leader in tackles for loss (16.5) and interceptions (3), along with 106 career tackles, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles in just two seasons. After graduating, he signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants in 2012, but it has been his work since that is truly making an impact on the lives of others.

Talk a little bit about what you have been up to since finishing up at Georgia State almost 10 years ago (work, sports, family)
Since finishing at GSU, my life has taken some unexpected yet necessary turns that I'm super grateful to have underwent. I've been on a journey of self-discovery that led me to graduate school where I received a Masters in Sport Psychology and approaching the finish line with my doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D not a Ph.D). 

I'm blessed to have recently celebrated my second anniversary (Sept. 13) with my rock Khaliah Janel Mason, who I met at GSU in back in 2011! We're actually in Hawai'i right now finally taking our honeymoon.

It's crazy to think about how the meaningful connections you create develop over time. If you couldn't tell already, relationships are essential to my life, and I would not be where I am today if it weren't for my wife (shoutout to her). 
My work is such a joy! Due to my personal, athletic, and academic/clinical background, I've been extremely fortunate to collaborate with a booming start-up company called Cheatcode (https://thecheatcode.org/). In my role, I serve as a mental strength and wellness coach, working with elite level athletes providing trauma informed support services, essentially, it's a combination of mental performance training and mental health support. We recently secured our first team account with a major pro sports team, who I'll keep unnamed for confidential purposes. I can continue on, but I'll just say this . . . be on the lookout for Cheatcode because there's so much more that we have in store for how we support 'peoples mentals' (Marshawn Lynch reference)! 

How did your experience at GSU help you get to where you are now?
Honestly, moving to Atlanta with my brother was probably one of the scariest things to do at that time. We are from Arizona and are West Coast kids through and through. Having each other to lean on gave us the confidence to take that leap of faith to experience this southern hospitality that we were so curious about. I'm glad we made that decision, because it stretched us to figure out how to expand our social support outside of our family groups. What resulted was that our family just grew larger! From coaches, to teammates, to athletic advisors, athletic trainers, professors, to the excellent janitorial expert Ms. Maria, and EVERYONE else in between, they became a part of my family. Each person played a contribution to who I am evolving into today and I thank my experience at GSU for affording me that privilege. That's the essence of a team! 

On the other hand, Coach Curry is another pivotal person that has played a major role in the leader that I am today. Back when he started his leadership council committee in 2010/2011, I vividly remember a phone call from him as I sat in my dorm room. He called to inform me that I was chosen by my teammates to be on this committee, which was an absolute honor. At the time I had no interest in assuming a leadership role on the team. I considered myself a 'lead by example' type of guy and to be honest, I didn't want to deal with any extra responsibility. I was there to play football, make plays, and have fun. But what Coach Curry said afterwards is what will always remained engrained in me. (This quote isn't verbatim but it's a variation of what was said) Coach Curry: "Look Jake, you can do what you've been doing since you've gotten here and skate under the radar and pretend like you aren't a leader, but the reality is that those guys in the locker room already consider you one. Whether you decide to accept this invitation or not, there will be guys that follow what you do and say. Give it some thought and let me know what your decision is. I love you." Immediately I responded hesitantly, "I'm in Coach!" That day changed my life forever because I no longer felt the need to hide from the natural born leader that I've always been. Coach Curry challenged me in the way that I needed and I'm forever grateful to him for that. One of the best qualities about Coach Curry is his unique ability to pull the best out in you through simple and consistent acts of kindness. What stood out the most to me in that phone conversation was when he said he loved me. For some reason, it was exactly what I needed to hear in that exact moment. It was then that I embodied his teaching of MAGNANIMITAS (translation: greatness of spirit)!

You transferred to Georgia State and played on the inaugural team as one of the older guys in the program. What was that experience like?
As I reflect back on that time, everything was so much fun. Yes, there were growing pains, like having team meetings in Classroom South or GCB, to no practice facilities, etc., but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything because those were so many 'firsts' that we all got to experience together. Our first game, first win, first team dinner, first guest speaker, and all those small things that can be easy to overlook. That's what also makes me appreciate the program even more now. Whether people know it or not, it's comforting to know deep down inside that the inaugural team played their role. Again, that's the essence of a team, nothing more, nothing less! 

To go along with being one of the older guys, you got to play with your brother Louie. What was it like having your brother around?
I hold this experience close to my heart. To have been able to move across the country with your best friend who happens to be your older brother was an absolute privilege. As I mentioned earlier, being a part of a new program meant you experienced many 'firsts' together. Those moments were even more special to be able to share them with Louie. We went through the same trials and tribulations during our childhood and adolescent years, so every 'first' we experienced together was a celebration. Coming from the environment we come from, we learned how to be thankful for the things that most people may take for granted. From the dry bagels before 6 a.m. team meetings, to Dinika or Bob doing a superb tape job, to Dusty and Keisha coordinating class schedules, we were grateful for it all, and we made sure we didn't miss an opportunity to let them know. 

Playing with Louie was such a joy. We would speak in our native language (Samoan) during practices and games just to play mind games with the offensive line and quarterback. We really weren't saying anything meaningful, but it was fun to occasionally see a puzzled look on the opposing team's faces. Preparing for games were exciting. Louie and I would stay up late at night going over game plans and quizzing each other on signals. Looking back, I appreciated that time even more!

What was it like running out onto the field for that first football game in front of more than 30,000 fans at the Georgia Dome?
Electrifying! That stadium was rocking! I remember getting emotional during pregame because I thought about the collective effort that was put in to make that game come to fruition. From the athletic staff to the concession stand workers, to the marketing team, everyone played a role in making 9-02-10 come to life! The game itself was a blur to me. I think I may have recorded the first defensive stop, but don't quote me on that. The most memorable part of that game, and he's going to clown me for calling him out, but it was when Femi accidentally dropped the Gatorade jug on Coach Curry at the end of the game. That's another 'First' that we all experienced together (Femi, if you're reading this . . . I love you). 

After playing for a team in its infancy, did you ever dream that you would get a shot in the NFL? What was your experience like with the New York Giants?
I actually did. My childhood dream was to play in the NFL and that dream stuck with me as I progressed through each level of competition. Not many know, but my junior year in high school, I was a verbally committed to the University of Nebraska (Cornhuskers) before getting into some trouble that resulted in my scholarship being rescinded. I didn't think I'd ever get a chance to play football. Gratefully, God had other plans for me, and it led me down the junior college route, which was a blessing in and of itself.

My experience with the Giants was full of ups and downs. I had a ton of fun getting to create relationships with likeminded individuals. I had achieved my dream of making it to the NFL. But the reality was that I wasn't mentally prepared for the demands of being an NFL player, and that led to a premature ending to my athletic career. Although I believe I had the athletic ability to sustain a pretty decent career in that business, I struggled emotionally and that negatively affected my performance. That led me to seeking out the team psychologist Dr. Denise Johnson. We met for a few sessions and I gained so much clarity in our short time together. It was also when I figured out my calling! I knew I wanted to help other athletes who may have been struggling in silence, like I did. I knew I wasn't the only one dealing with life stressors, but that sparked a deep interest in me that led me down the career path that I'm on now. Since my playing days, I have intentionally dedicated my academic and clinical training to focus on athlete mental health and mental performance.   

Even all these years later, do you still dream about putting the pads on and running out of the tunnel?
Putting on the pads? Absolutely not! Running out of the tunnel though? Hell yes! There's no feeling that compares to running out on that field with 100 of your brothers! I'll always root for my Panthers, but it's less about wins and losses for me and more about watching guys flourish off the field after their playing days have ended. Transitioning away from the game and redefining life outside of sports can be very difficult. 

During your playing days, Georgia State didn't have the best practice facilities and didn't really have a home field. Now 10 years later, what you do you think about the foundation you and your teammates laid and the facilities that Georgia State now calls home?
I feel content about our contribution to where we are today. I knew what I signed up for. I wasn't attending a well-established football program full of tradition. I was going to a school to start a tradition and help build a program that I can look back and be proud of. Needless to say, I'm beyond proud of Georgia State Football! 

If there is one thing you could go back and tell the college version of yourself, what would it be?
Go check out the counseling center and schedule a session with a therapist/psychologist. Your future self will thank you for it!!
 
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