Former Eagle Timothy Ojeda Headed to the Super Bowl
2/4/2026
Mt. San Jacinto College takes pride in the journeys of its student-athletes long after they leave campus. Few stories capture that spirit more powerfully than the path of MSJC alumnus Timothy Ojeda — a journey that began on local practice fields and ultimately reached football's biggest stage: the Super Bowl.
Ojeda still remembers his first summer training session at MSJC. The coaching staff was new, the environment unfamiliar, but the team immediately felt connected. Players from Banning, Beaumont, Temecula, and Hemet came together, joined by out-of-state teammates and veteran returners who provided leadership and direction. What formed was more than a roster — it was a brotherhood built on shared goals and accountability.
Timothy Ojeda, an Eagle football player in 2004 and 2005, is currently a strength
coach with the Seattle Seahawks, who will be playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
(photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks-NFL)"MSJC afforded me, an unknown, undersized kid from a small town, the chance to chase my dreams," Ojeda says. Over two seasons, he watched teammates earn scholarships and continue their careers at four-year universities. Behind the scenes, MSJC coaches relentlessly promoted their athletes, placing film in front of recruiters and advocating for every player. Coaches Ed Carberry, John Brown, and Gregg Shaw helped shape not only his athletic future but his educational path as well. Their investment opened the door for Ojeda to continue his playing career at Eastern New Mexico University.
His passion for coaching traces back to his high school years at Banning High, where Coach Richard McClure made a lasting impression. McClure emphasized discipline, accountability, and character — teaching his players that success in sport and life are inseparable. Inspired by that mentorship, Ojeda pursued studies in physical education and psychology, immersing himself in anatomy, exercise physiology, and human behavior to prepare for a career in coaching.
In 2007, he returned to Eastern New Mexico as a graduate assistant, coaching outside linebackers while supporting the strength and conditioning program. His next step came at the University of Southern California, where he joined the strength and conditioning staff as an intern determined to learn from elite professionals. His dedication quickly earned him a full-time role and positioned him for opportunities at the highest level of football.
Years later, that opportunity arrived with the Seattle Seahawks.
When the team secured an NFC Championship and earned a trip to the Super Bowl, the moment became deeply personal. Ojeda reflects on the emotions of watching his fiancée cry with pride, hearing the excitement in his parents' and brothers' voices, and recognizing the sacrifices his family made along the way. For him, the Super Bowl represented more than professional achievement — it symbolized gratitude and shared victory.
"It wouldn't be possible without all of you," he says. "All of your sacrifices. All of your support."
Despite the scale of the NFL, Ojeda believes the principles that guided him at MSJC still define his work today. Effort and attitude remain the foundation. His teams are process-driven, focusing on preparation, accountability, and incremental improvement. As a strength coach, he views his role as twofold: pushing athletes physically while building meaningful relationships that support their long-term success.
Learning each player's story, understanding their injuries and motivations, and creating trust beyond the weight room are central to his philosophy. Those daily conversations — the human connection — are what sustain elite performance.
That approach comes full circle. Ojeda coaches the way he was once coached: with care, belief, and commitment to the individual.
From a determined young athlete finding opportunity at Mt. San Jacinto College to coaching on football's biggest stage, Timothy Ojeda's journey reflects the power of mentorship, education, and perseverance. His success stands as a testament to the MSJC community and the transformative impact of opportunity.