For some, being a star football prospect is a choice, while for others, it is an opportunity. Jackson Gutierrez is included in this first group. “I belong on that football field. I learn that I can do things that I know I can and it was fun,” Jackson stated, in an interview with Navy Midshipmen at a post-game conference. This is the second life of the Navy’s top quarterback. For an athlete, losing legs and then continuing to compete in the field with prosthetic legs is just a second life. Absolutely!

Well, a little more than two years ago, in December 2021, Jackson was in a near-fatal vehicle accident while on a winter vacation in Orange County meeting friends. He was severely burned and lost both of his legs. Following his recovery, Gutierrez praised the Providence Mission Hospital medical staff on January 12 for their assistance in his incredible comeback. With prosthetic legs, he is walking once more and has been reunited with the physicians who gave him a second chance at life. But in his difficult moments, his parents serve as his primary source of support. Do you know the wonderful people who helped this talented quarterback overcome all obstacles to become a pro-QB?

Meet Jackson Gutierrez’s Parents

Gary and Patricia Gutierrez are Jackson Gutierrez’s parents. The primary driving force behind his athletic career is his father, Gary Gutierrez. The Navy Midshipmen’s standout quarterback excels in a number of sports, including baseball, basketball, track & field, and football. He can be referred to as a four-sport athlete. Safe to say, Gary and Jackson are examples of how a father coach can quickly pique his son’s interest in playing. Jackson’s father was an offensive lineman who earned First-Team All-America recognition in 1999 after graduating from Hardin-Simmons. Then, in 2014, he became the head football coach and athletic coordinator at John Jay High School in San Antonio. Before joining John Jay, he had a strong record as an HS football coach, having spent 3 seasons at another school and four seasons at Levelland High School.

When Jackson began playing at the age of six, Gary served as his first coach. Jackson’s mother, Patrica, was well-known for her affectionate disposition and strong family values, but she also became an integral part of his path. Unfortunately, however, she died in Joliet, Illinois, on September 30, 2011, at the age of 49. In addition to her love of bingo, Patricia was recognized for her love of dancing and music. Gary is currently Jackson’s family’s sole and main cheerleader. However, this famous quarterback’s early years were exciting as well as emotional. Where did he grow up, do you know?

Where did Jackson Gutierrez grow up?

San Antonio, Texas, is where Jackson Gutierrez was raised. He worked hard and had a competitive spirit during his stay in San Antonio. In recognition of his football prowess, he was named the 2023 Jon Wayne Player of the Year. His undergraduate career with the Navy Midshipmen was made possible by this distinction. In addition, the high school where his father is the head coach awarded him letters in football (3), baseball (3), basketball (3), and track & field (4). You get how good he is, right?

With 1,722 throwing yards, 15 throwing touchdowns, 1,089 running yards, and 19 running touchdowns, Jackson had an incredible season. He is a real team player who played a key role in the Jay Mustangs’ successful season, which was among the best in the school’s history. However, the identity of the school where this standout quarterback began his athletic career is still unknown. Let’s dive deep into it.

What high school did Jackson go to?

That guy was a football rockstar at John Jay High, San Antonio. In his senior year, he was voted the District 29-6A Offensive MVP and was chosen to the Class 6A All-Area football team. In baseball, he was named to the Second Team All-District his junior year. As a junior, he advanced to the regional finals of the 4×200-meter relay. In his final season, he guided John Jay High School to the football Bi-District and Area Championships. Today, he’s a Navy player to watch—an amazing athlete and a great leader.

However, this famous athlete had a tragic event that made his trip from John Jay to the Navy difficult. After conquering all of those challenges, he is now a dual-threat quarterback for the Midshipmen. “It’s given me a new sense of purpose and a new sense of what path to go down in life,” said Jackson. He was the Navy’s commander in a recent game, where the Midshipmen defeated East Carolina 34–20. As he continues to get better in the upcoming seasons, there is a chance that NFL scouts will take notice. Let’s see how the rookie fared throughout his initial year with the Navy.