For Clay Golday, the NFL was always something you watched on Sundays.
Now, it’s something he’s living, watching his son Jake turn a lifelong dream into reality after being drafted into the league.
“We’re super, super proud. His whole family, we can’t say enough about him,” Clay said.
Jake Golday’s journey started in Arlington, and it didn’t happen overnight. It took the right opportunities, a move to a bigger stage at the University of Cincinnati, and proving himself every step of the way. Even now, as his son reaches the NFL, Clay is still trying to take it all in.
“It’s surreal. It’s almost like it’s still a dream,” Clay said. “When I see him run down and make his first tackle, then it’ll finally be real.”
Jake began his college career at Central Arkansas in 2023 before transferring to Cincinnati—a move that helped put him on the national radar and ultimately led to his high draft selection.
“Coming from Central Arkansas, a smaller school where you’re not on TV, and then getting to Cincinnati—it really promoted him to the national media,” Clay said.
The transition wasn’t just about exposure. It was also about growth.
Jake started his collegiate career as a defensive end before switching to linebacker at Cincinnati, a move that unlocked his full potential.
“Starting off at defensive end is what allowed me to develop the pass rush skills I have today,” Jake said. “Then I got switched to linebacker, and that’s when things really opened up for me.”
That versatility is exactly what made him stand out to NFL teams. At Cincinnati, Golday was used in multiple defensive roles—lining up at Sam linebacker and operating in space, adding another layer to his game.
“Being able to play Sam linebacker and be out in space all the time was a challenge when I first got there,” Jake said. “Now it’s just another tool in my toolbox.”
Now, the next chapter begins. Golday is set to join the Minnesota Vikings for OTAs starting May 26, where he’ll face his next challenge, adjusting to the speed and demands of the NFL.
For his family, though, the moment is already bigger than football. It’s the realization of a journey years in the making—one that started in Arlington and is now playing out on the biggest stage in the sport.
