Ottawa’s Jesse Luketa is a man of many talents, on and off the football field.
On the gridiron, the Arizona Cardinals linebacker was outstanding last season, getting looks on defence, special teams and offence, chipping in as a fullback from time to time. In a pre-season game, the play-by-play guys were so impressed with his multiple tools on the field, they dubbed him the Canadian Army Knife.
If you’ve seen any of Luketa’s “Mic’d-up” highlights on YouTube, you’ve seen a coachable, outgoing, and well-liked NFL teammate.
Luketa’s performance and development in 2023, his second year in the league, convinced the Cardinals to re-sign him for this fall. He got a one-year contract in January, a few days after his 25th birthday.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back in Arizona for another year,” Luketa said. “I’m excited to prove myself and, most importantly, to prove my doubters wrong about why I belong in Arizona. That’s why I’ll keep chomping at the bit and continue to work to get better, day in and day out.”
But Luketa’s interests go way beyond football.
Photography by Nicolai Gregory
The 40 Reasons Foundation (40rzn.com) was born out of Luketa’s desire to give back to Ottawa for the support he received from his community throughout his journey to the NFL. In July, they hosted their first annual football camp, welcoming over 180 kids to TD Place. Registration was free.
“We honestly wanted to just make unforgettable memories for these kids,” Luketa said. “At the same time, give them an opportunity to come out, compete, have some fun, meet some players, meet some of my NFL peers who I was fortunate enough to have in attendance, and just leave that day knowing they had a great time, and they got at least 1% better.”
The NFL players at the camp included Arizona running back James Conner, a two-time Pro Bowler, along with former Penn State teammates K.J. Hamler (Buffalo WR), Jahan Dotson (Washington WR), Rasheed Walker (Green Bay OT), and Shaka Toney (Former Washington DE).
The day before the camp, Luketa and his foundation hosted a kids’ bookmobile event to promote literacy in his old neighbourhood on Heatherington Road. He was joined by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, the Ottawa Public Library, and an ice cream truck to shamelessly bribe the kids into reading more.
Luketa (stage name Lu’) has also entered the world of Afrobeat with the release of his debut single, “FEVA.” He describes Burna Boy as one of his big influences.
“Music has always been an outlet for me, and I got to a point where I was ready to just start pursuing it and really start pushing it in every single facet,” Luketa said. “It’s been going well. I was fortunate enough to be in Paris for Paris Fashion Week, promoting my debut single. I was in New York for a successful press run, and I was fortunate enough to sign a distribution deal.
“Football is the main thing, but at the same time, you’ve got to maximize it because, at the end of the day, you understand the NFL stands for “Not For Long.” So, I’m continuing to maximize and monetize every single opportunity.”
What were your first two NFL seasons like, and how did they compare to your expectations?
It’s been a journey. Ultimately, we haven’t had the collective success that we’ve wanted. It’s tough. The NFL is a competitive business, and if you’re not winning, then they’re going to find ways to get the right people in the doors to handle business.
But at the same time, through all the trials that we’ve had to overcome, it’s moving us into the team that we are now, and I feel as if we’re going to shock a lot of people. We’ve got a great locker room, we’ve got great individuals, and we’ve got great coaches that are hungry. You kind of just feel the switches flipping.
Photography by Nicolai Gregory
What have you learned in the NFL in your first two years that you’d like to tell your younger self?
Just be present. Consistency earns credibility. Like anything, it doesn’t matter what field of work you’re in. The more consistent you are, the more people begin to trust the product and the individual and feel better about what they’re putting out.
Whether it’s a coach or a player, who’s been your NFL mentor so far?
My NFL mentor is LaVar Arrington, a former player who now works in radio and TV and coaches in his free time. As an NFL coach, I would say Marcus Robertson (now DB coach with New Orleans).
When you have a big moment in football, who are you most excited to share it with?
My family. I’d say my brother, Joe.
You had a funny incident last season when some random Cardinal fans came along and saved you from being late for the game. Can you share that story with us?
I was driving to the stadium and had a tire notification pop up, so I pulled over to a gas station. As I’m trying to pump air, it’s not happening. I must have decided to run over a nail on the highway or something. Then I saw a family dressed in Cardinals jerseys. They looked pretty ecstatic to head to the stadium and catch the game. I just shouted to them, “Hey, you guys heading to the stadium?”
I jumped in the car with them. They had four kids, so it was a dope ride. I got to talk to them all. They asked me a bunch of questions. And yeah, they were great. If it wasn’t for them, who knows if I would have made it to the game on time? They actually got me there early, and that was all she wrote.
So, you’ve got football, training for football, your music, and your foundation. Do you have any free time at all? If so, what do you like to do?
I love to read. It’s very therapeutic. I also have a red-nosed pitbull, Nora. So whenever I can take her on nice long walks and let her run free, I love that.
What would your message be to kids who want to walk in your shoes someday?
Honestly, my advice to them would be that no dream is too far unattainable. Your wildest dreams and aspirations are not outlandish, and never let anybody tell you they are. Because I remember being in those exact shoes, and my peers and my teachers told me I couldn’t do it. But I used it to fuel me, and look what I’ve done. I feel as if I’ve done pretty well for myself. So, never leave that chip on your shoulder. Humility goes a long way. Make sure you keep the right people around you in your circle. Do that, and the sky is the limit.
