BOISE, Idaho — Jacob Serre is 19, but he has already had challenges in his life that few people will endure. He was born with a rare heart condition, and has had not one, but two heart transplants. He also recently suffered a debilitating stroke. Through all of it, he has leaned on his strong faith.
He is this week's 7's Hero.
"When it comes to medical things, there's nothing you can do but put your faith in God," said Jacob.
Jacob has been working hard since the stroke to regain the use of one side of his body. His parents Jinjue and Andrew Serre have always been by his side.
"Jacob has put in a lot of hard work," said Jinjue Serre, Jacob's mom. "He has therapy ten to twelve times a week, and he started going back to the gym."
Jacob is a huge Boise State football fan. He loves to go to games. He has been going since he was a little boy.
"We've been able to go to a couple of games this season, and he really just has a good time chanting and just getting into the culture," Jinjue said.
His favorite player is star running back and Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty.
"One of, if not the best college football players in the country," Jacob said. "He's so awesome. I like watching what he does, and I feel like he's a great person aside from football."
Jacob said they share the same deep faith in God.
"He gives all the glory and praise to God, and that's something that I respect a lot," said Jacob. "We both feel like God's done a lot in our lives, getting us where we are today."
When Jeanty heard about Jacob and everything he had overcome, he invited Jacob to a team practice. He got the star treatment; he was greeted by Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson. Jacob was so excited to meet him. Then, Danielson called Jeanty over and introduced them.
Jeanty was impressed with Jacob's Boise State swag from head to toe. He was wearing his #2 jersey and even sported blue and orange Nikes.
"It's been great just to hear your story, Jacob. You know, everybody says they are inspired by me, but I mean two heart transplants, that's inspiring to me for you to go through that," Jeanty told Jacob.
Jeanty said he loves to meet his fans, especially fans like Jacob who inspire him.
"I just want to be able to connect with them on a personal level, just to be able to talk to them, and relate. We can talk about life outside of football, you know. All those things are heartwarming for me," Jeanty said.
Jacob and Jeanty talked a lot about their shared faith and overcoming obstacles. Jeanty says he wants to leave a lasting legacy at Boise State.
"I don't want everyone just to remember what I did on the field, but off the field. Most importantly, the person that I am," Jeanty said. "That doesn't always get shown, so I like to take times like this to show who I really am."
Jacob said he felt so lucky to have this one-on-one time with his football hero.
"It was surreal," Jacob said. "He took the time out of his day to have some good conversations with me and meet me, sign my jersey and my football cards, it's awesome."
Right now, Jeanty is the frontrunner for the Heisman trophy, college football's top honor. Jacob has his hopes set on Jeanty winning.
"I know that the Heisman isn't about personality, it's more about stats, but if it was about who you are as a person, he would most definitely win," Jacob said.
The Heisman trophy winner will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 14 during the live ceremony on ESPN. The finalists for the 2024 award will be announced on Monday, Dec. 9.
People can keep up with Jacob and his journey on Instagram.