Next generation Rosa ready for NLL

Jake Rosa has signed with the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL and looks to follow in the footsteps of his father John who played 14 years in the league and won a championship with the Toronto Rock in 2005. "It feels great to be signed and know I’m that much closer to accomplishing a lifelong dream of mine to play professional lacrosse," Rosa told Powerplay Sports.

Source: St. Bonaventure

"It means so much to me as I have always looked up to my dad growing up. It has always been a goal of mine to carry on his legacy and now I finally have the opportunity to do so. The support from both my parents growing up has been more than I could ever ask for and I would never be in the position I am today without them."

The contract is a foot in the door with the Bandits. He says about 30 players will duke it out for 24 spots and if he makes the cut, Rosa will be offered another contract. "I know there is still a lot of work to do and cracking a 24-man back-to-back champion team is no easy task."

Rosa finished his career at St. Bonaventure with 72 goals and 122 points in 50 games. The Windsor Clippers grad was named MAAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, a first-team allstar as a junior and senior and is only the second player in Bonnies history to break the 100 career points plateau.

"Over the last few years I have battled a few injuries like tearing my ACL, meniscus, and hamstring. So to make the 24 man roster I need to be at 100% and in the best shape of my life."

Rosa was the Bandits 53rd overall in the 2023 NLL Draft.