ARKANSAS (KTAL/KMSS) — Little Rock, Arkansas native and veteran Jake Bequette has worn a handful of uniforms.
“I’ve always wanted to represent this state well, whether I was in Arkansas Razorback uniform, or in a Patriots’ uniform, or the military uniform, or running for office,” said Bequette.
Before serving his country, he played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and even went on to play in the NFL, spending four years with the New England Patriots. Bequette comes from a football family and always knew he wanted to carry on the family legacy.
“My Grandfather, my Dad, and my Uncle all played football at the University of Arkansas before me, so I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up.”
However, after his tenure in the NFL, he was inspired to serve his country. Bequette attributes that inspiration to someone he met during his time with the Patriots.
“When I was in the NFL playing for the Patriots, we had a former Navy Seal who was part of our program,” Bequette explained. “He was a great asset for the team in terms of leadership and player development, and I just always found myself talking to him off to the side about his experiences in the military.”
Bequette made a commitment to himself that he would join the military at the end of his football career. Eventually, the Arkansas native became the first in his family to serve in the armed forces.
“It was something of a surprise to my family, that’s for sure,” he said. “I was right there on the age deadline. I joined the military when I was in my late 20’s, which is later than most, but it was a great experience, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
In 2019, Bequette deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He believes in certain ways, professional football helped prepare him to serve overseas.
“When you’re playing SEC football, or NFL football, you’re around a team of elite men who are really at the top of their game, and it’s the same thing leading a platoon,” said Bequette.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, he was inspired to serve his country in another capacity. Bequette decided to run for U.S. Senate.
“It’s a different kind of battle, but you’re the leader of a team. You have a campaign staff around you. You’re traveling non-stop,” he explained. “It didn’t work out. We weren’t ultimately successful, but it was a great experience to campaign and travel around the state of Arkansas and meet tons of people.”
Today, the veteran still resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, now working for the private sector. When asked if he plans to run again, he responded, “I’ve always been proud to represent Arkansas and try to represent Arkansas in the best way, and we’ll see what happens down the line.”