The first time
Jerry Mixon Jr. watched Bengals' running back and first cousin
Joe Mixon play in a football game, he was 8-years-old.
Joe, then a senior at
Freedom (Oakley, Calif.), was the No. 1 recruit in California and No. 12 nationally. He rushed for nearly 300 yards and scored seven touchdowns in a first-round playoff game.
"After that, I decided I really wanted to be a football player," Jerry said.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker and running back is now 16 has become a very good one following an exceptional junior season at
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (San Francisco).
Jerry led his Irish to a surprising and historic state title, was named All-State and as of this week secured is fourth FBS offers, making him one of the top recruits to come out of San Francisco in 20 years.
Jerry Mixon Jr. (6) is being recruited as a linebacker but was also state champion Sacred Heart Cathedral's leading rusher.
Photo by Jim Malone
To add a little icing to the Mixon cake, he's currently in Southern California to cheer on his cousin in Super Bowl LVI.
Jerry and 14 family members will be attending Sunday's game between the Bengals and host Los Angeles Rams at breathtaking SoFi Stadium. He's hoping to bring Joe some luck from the Irish.
"It's all very exciting," Jerry said by phone Thursday. "I'm here to support my cousin and be with the rest of the family. I hope the Bengals win."
Those last five words were never uttered in the Mixon family growing up.
Jerry grew up a 49ers' fan but when Joe was selected with the 48th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Bengals, that all changed. Jerry has attended a handful of games in Joe's five-year career, including Cincinnati's 31-28 home win over Kansas City Jan. 2.
Many thought the victory was a fluke, but following two playoff victories, the Bengals knocked off the Chiefs again, 27-24 in the AFC championship championship game to reach the Super Bowl.
Joe Mixon was a main cog during the regular season with career highs in carries (292), yards (1,205) and touchdowns (13), plus he added 190 more yards and a touchdown in three playoff wins. He was selected to the 2022 Pro Bowl last week.
Beyond his inspiration on the field, Jerry said Joe has been a big positive influence in all other aspects. Joe helps him train during the summer, make connections with college coaches and he has attended a few of
SHC's practices.
"I couldn't ask for much more," Jerry said.
His biggest help came in what Jerry called his "chubby" stage during middle school. Jerry told his mom Ayofemi Bryant he wasn't going to play football in high school, "But Joe got my body and mind right," Jerry said.
Joe Mixon rushed for 4,281 career rushing yards and 57 touchdowns at Freedom (Oakley, Calif.).
File photo by Ernie Abrea
SHC coach Barry McLaughlin was so thankful for that.
Jerry has been a two-year starter and is now considered a
three-star recruit and after leading the Irish to the school's first
ever state title. The Irish started 0-5, but reeled off eight wins in their final 10 games to take home the CIF Division 4-A championship, finished off with a
48-29 over Northview (Covina) before nearly 10,000 fans at Kezar Stadium, where the 49ers once played.
Jerry finished off the title win with a 54-yard pick-6 that helped set a wild celebration.
"It was a magical season that's for sure and Jerry had a big hand in it," McLaughlin said.
He had some active feet and a strong frame to contribute as well. McLaughlin said Jerry's size, steady improvement and versatility is what
makes him so attractive to college scouts.
During the season "He
threw a touchdown and accounted for others via the run, catch, kick
return, scoop-and-score and then finished it off with a pick 6 in the
title game," McLaughlin said. "You think about it. That's pretty
incredible."
But not thinking — utilizing his instincts — is
another sign that Jerry is progressing. "He's a quiet kid and he
processes a lot," McLaughlin said. "But what I like is his anticipation.
He's got great timing and knows just when to blitz."
Perhaps that instincts comes from his bloodlines. His dad Jerry Sr. played college football with McLaughlin at CCSF, transferred and had a tryout with the 49ers. Joe's dad John played at Troy University in Alabama.
Jerry's support system runs much deeper than Joe.
Jerry Mixon Jr. contributed touchdowns six different ways in 2021 en route to winning the Irish's first state title.
Photo by Jim Malone
"My parents have been there every step and my teammates pushed me constantly to strive to be better and work harder," Jerry said. "When things looked bleak, my coaches and teammates kept reminding me we can do this and we did."
Carrying the Mixon name along the way adds some weight, but also clout. It's a double-edged sword, Jerry admits.
"It carries a lot of pressure," he said. "I love my name, but people expect a lot because of it."
On the plus side, it helps push him. He can also reach out to his cousin for advice about football, recruiting, family and life. Presently, for the two cousins, all couldn't be much better.
A win Sunday, however, would make it that much better. Poetic, even, if both cousins finish on top of their respective levels.
No matter what, they'll finish the 2021-22 season at the very end of the football rainbow. In one of the world's most beautiful stadiums. In sunny, warm Southern California.
Asked if he had any predictions, Jerry said: "Bengals, 34-31. Joe's gonna have a great game."
Jerry (left) and Joe Mixon three nights before the Bengals play the Rams in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Photo courtesy of the Mixon family
