Jeremiyah Love, a Division I football player at Notre Dame, has transformed the discipline, grit, and resilience of his athletic journey into a bold new creative venture — Jeremonstar. Blending the high-stakes intensity of game day with the imagination and heart of anime, his comic series reimagines the athlete’s mindset as a hero’s journey. Inspired by his own experiences on the field and a lifelong love of anime storytelling, Jeremiah partnered with his father to create a project that transcends entertainment, exploring themes of discipline, identity, faith, and servant leadership.
Through Jeremonstar, he is not only pushing the boundaries of NIL by creating original IP but also expanding representation in the anime space, offering young fans a hero who reflects their culture, values, and dreams.
What inspired you to create Jeremonstar, and how did your experiences as a Division I athlete shape the story?
Jeremonstar came from wanting to tell my life story in a way that blends the grit of football with the imagination of anime. Being a D1 athlete at Notre Dame means living discipline, structure, and resilience every day — those values are baked into the comic. I wanted young athletes and fans to see that behind every “highlight” is a process, a mindset, and a purpose.
How did your love for anime influence the development of the comic’s characters and themes?
Anime taught me how to connect emotionally to characters and worlds. Series like My Hero Academia showed me the power of hero journeys rooted in heart and perseverance. Jeremonstar’s characters aren’t just super-powered — they wrestle with discipline, identity, and teamwork in ways that mirror my real experiences on the field.
Can you describe the creative process of working with your father on this project?
It’s been a true partnership. My dad brings the long-term vision — making sure this is legacy-building, not just hype. I bring the athlete’s perspective and creative ideas. We challenge each other, keep each other accountable, and share the goal of building something that stands for discipline, faith, and servant leadership.
How have real-life game-day moments at Notre Dame made their way into the storyline?
There are scenes and beats in the comic pulled straight from my Saturdays — the walk to the stadium, the mental switch before kickoff, the feeling of lining up against an opponent who underestimates you. Those moments are reimagined in Jeremonstar as high-stakes, anime-style battles, but the emotion and energy come right from the real thing.
What challenges did you face launching Jeremonstar while managing the demands of a D1 football career?
Balancing both worlds meant mastering time management and leaning on my team. Between practice, games, and recovery, there were late nights working on storylines, character designs, and the Kickstarter. It forced me to be intentional — every rep on the field and every hour on the comic had to count.
How does this project push the boundaries of what’s possible in the NIL (name, image, likeness) space?
Most NIL deals are short-term endorsements. Jeremonstar is different — it’s building an original IP that can grow for years. It’s athlete-led storytelling, with me not just as a face, but as a creator and co-owner. That’s a blueprint other athletes can follow to turn their NIL into something lasting.
In what ways do you hope Jeremonstar connects with both anime fans and sports audiences?
Sports fans will recognize the intensity, discipline, and rivalries. Anime fans will see a fully realized world with layered characters and themes of resilience and teamwork. For both, it’s about making them feel part of something — a fandom where sports and anime fuel each other.
What role did Limited Edition play in bringing your vision to life?
They helped me take the idea from concept to a polished, professional launch — from visual storytelling to Kickstarter strategy. Their team understood how to merge my personal story, the sports world, and anime culture into one cohesive brand.
As a Black creator in the anime space, how do you see Jeremonstar contributing to a broader cultural shift?
Representation matters. Growing up, there weren’t many anime heroes who looked like me or came from my world. Jeremonstar gives young Black fans a hero who reflects their culture and values. It’s about showing that our stories belong in every genre, on every stage.
What advice would you give to other student-athletes who want to pursue creative projects beyond the field?
Start now, even if it’s small. Use the discipline and structure you’ve built in sports to fuel your creative work. Find partners who believe in your vision, and treat your project like a business from day one. Most importantly, make sure it reflects who you are — that’s what will make it last.
Be’n Original
