Jed Rances gives a speech at the launch of Laro’t Saya sa Manila Boys’ Town (photo courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission)

John Edward “Jed” Rances is one of the finest products of the Claret School of Quezon City and University of the Philippines Diliman’s football programs under legendary coach Salvador Alberto “Bob” Salvacion.

Jed tried his luck at open tryouts when he was in Grade 4 in 1994 and got into the varsity team. “I had the best learning in Claret under Coach Bob,” said Jed.

This would open a fruitful journey from grade school to professional football, highlighted by the following achievements: team captain of the Claret Football Varsity Team, squad member of the UP Men’s Football Team (UPMFT) from 2007 to 2011, UAAP Champion of Season 71 and 73, UP College of Human Kinetics “P” Award for Best Performing Athlete 2009-2011, and College of Human Kinetics Jacket Award 2011 for being a 3-time Best Performing Athlete. The biggest feat of Jed’s college career is getting the Most Valuable Player title of UAAP Season 71.

Jed took up Special Education in UP Diliman.

He also had a stint as a player of the professional team Pachanga Diliman FC.

After UAAP, he studied to be a pilot and obtained a private pilot’s license and also became Manager at Anytime Fitness. 

His years of playing football had honed his discipline and sharpened his skills. Jed was geared for more success in the field of sports and fitness.

Then Jed met a motorcycle accident in 2020.

Jed was treated at the neurological intensive care unit of a Quezon City hospital where he stayed unconscious for weeks. The mishap occured before the pandemic, but his stay in the ICU became prolonged and carried over to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

During which friends and family formed a group chat called “Laban, Jed.” His loved ones created a video compilation of greetings, offering encouragement and wishing Jed well. While the group chat was created for Jed, it also became a way for friends and family to draw strength from each other as they waited for him to wake up.

After three weeks in the ICU, Jed opened his eyes. “It was like I woke up from a long sleep,” he related. “I asked where I was, why I was in the hospital. That was when I was told about the accident.”

The former UAAP MVP would spend the next five years undergoing therapy to regain full speech and physical capabilities. Aside from the love of family and friends, one of the factors that aided his recovery was that Jed was generally in good shape. “Buti na lang healthy ang body ko kasi football player ako,” he explained.

Today, Jed is back in the football scene as Special Projects Officer of the Philippine Football Federation.

Sometime last month, he represented the PFF at the launch of the Laro’t Saya sa Manila Boys’ Town sports program. Being there felt like a full circle moment as he faced boys who were as young as he was when he began playing the beautiful game.

“What I love about football is being connected with the people who love the sport like I do. There is so much more to learn in and out of foootball. It’s not just football, for me football is life,” said Jed.

Jed still has an athlete’s physique, and he speaks very eloquently. His slower walk and the scar on his neck are the only visible signs of the 2020 accident.  Quiet and unassuming, he doesn’t usually post about the accident on social media, except for his short bio stating “Life after a horrible motorbike crash.”

One recent video showed how far Jed has come from his struggle: it was a video of him all smiles, jogging by himself as his trainer was shouting instructions. The caption accompanying the video spoke profoundly of Jed’s indomitable spirit and resilient mindset; it’s a message that we can certainly hold on to in times of trouble and confusion. Jed declared, “Problems will arise, but keep focusing on what you can work on. Every challenge builds character and makes you stronger. Above all, be thankful for the new lease on life given to you. #labanlang.” 

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