Watching this cultural phenomena unfold, Jeremy thought of his grandfather pinning the superman cape on his back. Nearly everyone on the bus stood up, and Jeremy observed how strangers helped the woman with her bags, guided her to her seat, and collectively bowed in respect as she sat down. SITTING ON A crowded public bus, surrounded by Tokyo’s high rise buildings, well-lighted advertisements and flashing LED boards, Bloom watched as his transportation rolled to a stop and an elderly woman began to make her way on board. In his first ever trip outside the United States, Bloom traveled with his ski team to Tokyo, Japan. His rise to prominence provided him with the unique opportunity to see new parts of the world, and experience new cultures. 1999, Tokyo, Japanīy the age of 15, Jeremy Bloom was the youngest ever member of the U.S. Infinitely motivated by the prospect of sugar and chocolate, Jeremy would then fly down the mountain, cape billowing, spectacularly grabbing candy bars as he cut through the snow. At the top of the first lift, Jerry would carefully pin a superman cape to the back of his Grandson’s jacket, and Jeremy – who came from a home in which few sweets were allowed – would then watch as his grandfather laughed and hurled miniature candy bars down the mountain, telling his grandson that he could only keep them if he could manage to ski past and pick them up without stopping. On family trips to Keystone, Jeremy’s mom and dad – both excellent skiers themselves – would head off to the summit leaving their son to ski with his grandpa. He was an impressive man, honest and hard-working, but It wasn’t until his later years that he would find one of his life’s most fulfilling pastimes: skiing with his young grandson, Jeremy. TOUGH AS NAILS, the Bloom family made it through the Depression and Jerry would go on to serve with distinction as a gunner in World War Two, flying missions over Nazi-controlled France and Germany – racking up a handful of medals in the process. to deliver milk, Jerry would then walk six blocks to a local bakery and work until twilight, before heading off to a busy intersection where he would sell newspapers for as long as he could stay awake. Soup kitchen lines wrapped around the block and the annual median family income fell to just $1,500. Hoovervilles, shanty towns made up of cardboard and spare wood, had sprung up around the country. They had been abandoned by Jerry’s father and left to fend for themselves during the darkest days of an economic tragedy. 1930, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaĪ child of the Great Depression, Jerry Bloom worked three jobs to help his mother pay the bills. Jeremy Bloom’s role model was his grandfather. More often than not, it is those closest to us who hold the greatest amount of influence – our role models and heroes. IN MANY WAYS, we are all products of our environment. Long-time Colorado mascot “Ralphie” leads the Buffaloes on to the field against rivals Colorado State (photo: CU Athletics) “I want you to go return this punt,” said Barnett.Īnd with that, the 19 year-old buckled his chin strap, took a deep breath and ran out on the field for the first time in his college career.
Wide-eyed, the 19-year-old sprung to his feet, frantically searched for his helmet and ran towards his coach’s voice. “BLOOM!” ROARED UNIVERSITY of Colorado football coach Gary Barnett. But at just 5-foot-9, Bloom was undersized by college football standards, and despite his obvious potential, he found himself resigned to the bench in his first-ever collegiate game. A World Champion and Olympian at the age of 19, there was no doubting his athleticism. A native of Loveland, Colorado, Bloom was already a prodigy of sorts. Yet in the fall of 2002, this is where Jeremy Bloom found himself.
In fact, in the pantheon of college football legends, few – if any – tales of greatness begin with a freshman, buried on the depth chart, sedentary on a steel bench watching teammates carry the load. Not much is expected of third-string punt returners. How a Colorado kid summoned the responsibility to do what’s right. Collegiate all-American, Olympian, NFL standout, philanthropist, clean sport advocate, entrepreneur.
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