Getting to know the ‘athlete,’ J.C. Tretter
By Josh McPeak
Chapter four of this five-part series introduces Green Bay Packers fans to lesser-known but soon-to-be household names on this year’s roster.
Today’s section introduces us to a player who we have yet to see lace it up for the green and gold. The athletic specimen, Joseph Carl Tretter Jr.
Better known as J.C. Tretter.
When you think of NFL offensive linemen you probably wouldn’t picture many being dual stars in the big three of sports (football, basketball, baseball). Tretter was just that and more during his younger days at Akron Central High School for the Tigers in Akron, N.Y.
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A three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the football team, while also being a captain in both his junior and senior years. During his senior year in high school on the football field, Tretter earned a nod to the second-team Class C all-state squad.
Something that may surprise some fans is that Tretter was also a four-year starter on the hardwood for the Akron Tigers. Not only a starter but a three-time first-team all-league selection.
Tretter graduated Akron Central High as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in school history. During his senior campaign he averaged 28 points per-game to go along with 17 boards.
Tretter went on to play football at a school that saw three of his uncles, as well as his sister, pass through. Cornell University, the “Big Red,” was where Tretter was a tight end during his first two years on campus. He was mostly used on special teams as well as a backup tight end for the offensive squad.
A 238-pound freshman tight end quickly blossomed into a 300-pound dominant left tackle. During his junior and senior year, Tretter broke onto the map in a big way for the Big Red.
Tretter’s senior year at left tackle saw Cornell throw for a conference and school-record 3,748 yards, which was the third highest total in the nation. It doesn’t end there. Coaches credit Tretter for 120 knockdowns, 13 touchdown-resulting blocks and zero … yes, zero sacks allowed during his final year on campus.
Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Could we see a “Most Important Player” tag in the near future? Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Insert Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers who selected Tretter in the fourth round with the 122nd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The unanimous first-team All-Ivy league selection as well as the third-team All-American selection for the Football Championship Subdivision at left tackle, he was projected as a guard on the Packers’ roster.
Unfortunately for Tretter, he broke an ankle in the very beginning of his first season with the Green Bay Packers and was unable to compete for a starting spot or valuable playing time.
Tretter provides a valuable resource for the Pack and Aaron Rodgers. A proven left tackle in his collegiate career could provide a very strong, athletic and viable utility offensive lineman. In the meantime, still to be determined is the center position.
Aaron Rodgers has expressed his desire to be under the same center for multiple seasons. With the exit of Evan Dietrich-Smith, the position is left up for grabs between Tretter and this year’s fifth round pick, Corey Linsley.
Tretter has been the number one center thus far through all organized team activities. He has the potential to become a staple on the offensive line for the Packers.
It’s difficult not to pull for a guy who has been reported as snapping ma
ny, many balls this off-season to his sister in the garage of his home.