When BYU's Jakob Robinson rolls his ankle in practice this week, he won't be able to wallow in self-pity as easily as he once did.
Defensive coordinator Jay Hill's toughness — returning to a football game two days after suffering a heart attack — taught him that, the senior cornerback said Saturday night after BYU dumped Southern Illinois 41-13 in front of a sellout crowd of 63,712 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Hill had a stent placed in an artery that was 60% blocked on Saturday morning, that after having a stent installed for a 100% blocked artery on Thursday night. But somehow the second-year DC managed to make it to the 6 p.m. kickoff.
Hill mingled with players and coaches on the field before the game, then watched it from the press box with a headset on and occasionally offered his two cents as head coach Kalani Sitake became the primary defensive play-caller.
After the game, BYU players marveled at Hill's toughness.
"The thing is, he will talk about us being tough, and then he will be tough. Now I can't really say anything when he tells me to get up after I roll my ankle," Robinson said.
"Like, he just had a heart attack and now he is back here. Yeah, it just speaks (volumes) about our coach."
Robinson said it was "heartbreaking for us" when Hill spoke to them via FaceTime on Friday night from his hospital bed.
"You could tell he was really sad and wanted to be there with us," Robinson said. "We were super happy to have him back and it made my day to have him back."
The Orem product said that Hill asked players to not announce it on social media until "maybe after the game" because he didn't want the focus to be on him.
Hill's father, Ferrell Hill, told the Deseret News on Saturday morning that his 49-year-old son is "as fit as a fiddle" and that it was a shocker to everyone who knows him well.
Members of the Brigham Young University 1974 Fiesta Bowl team light the Y before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Doug Adams, linebacker on the 1974 Brigham Young University team, holds a commemorative Fesita Bowl helmet as members of the BYU 1974 Fiesta Bowl team are honored before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Madelyn Williams, 5, sits atop the shoulders of her father, Kevin Williams, both of Jerome, ID, as they walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as his team makes their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Max Harper, 11, of Murray, winds up to hit a punching bag at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Jeff Blanc, center right, and Jay Miller, center left, sign a 1974 team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Glenn Reedy, center right, of Cedar Hills, and his son, Bubba Reedy, center left, of Kearns, cheer at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Noah Spencer, 10, of Carmel, Calif., holds a football at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The BYU marching band marches through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The BYU marching band marches through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar dances as he processes through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University safety Preston Rex (12) slaps hands with fans as he and his teammates make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU players and coaches slap hands with fans as their make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake slaps hands with fans as his team makes their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University place kicker Will Ferrin (44) high-fives a fan as he and his teammates make their way through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans walk through Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) talks with a coach as he warms up before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
A flag commemorating 100 years of BYU football flies at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Kimball Plaster, 15, of Spokane, Wash., sports a chain at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Russell Young, of Orem, sports a cougar hat and temporary tattoo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
People pass by a sign commemorating 100 years of BYU football at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Russell Young, left, of Orem, and Deborah Simmons, of Sandy, smile at a signed 1974 team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Members of the 1974 Fiesta Bowl team sign a team photo at Cougar Canyon before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Southern Illinois University head coach Nick Hill, right, reacts after an official's call during Brigham Young University's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) passes during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) celebrates his touchdown during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University running back Hinckley Ropati (7) celebrates his touchdown during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) hands the ball off to running back Hinckley Ropati (7) during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University defensive end Tyler Batty (92) takes down Southern Illinois University tight end Ryan Schwendeman (83) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass against Southern Illinois University during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother (33) celebrates after downing Southern Illinois University wide receiver Keontez Lewis (1) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University junior Tyler Probst catches a promotional football before BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gestures with a Y to the crowd before the home opener of the Brigham Young University Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The ball comes loose from Brigham Young University tight end Keanu Hill (1) as he is downed by Southern Illinois University linebacker Shane Roth (42) and cornerback Jamir Conn (4) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University fans cheer during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University defensive end Logan Lutui (59) celebrates after recovering a fumble from Southern Illinois University during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) celebrates after a teammate's touchdown during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University running back Miles Davis (4) goes down after being tripped up by Southern Illinois University linebacker Ben Bogle (35) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar pumps up the crowd during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake reacts after a play during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University offensive lineman Trevin Ostler (74) cheers after BYU defeated Southern Illinois University at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese greets safety Tommy Prassas (22) after BYU defeated Southern Illinois University at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University players make their way onto the field before their home opener against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) celebrates after a play during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) makes a catch during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University students unfurl a flag before the home opener of the BYU Cougars held against the Southern Illinois University Salukis at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University running back LJ Martin (27) runs with the ball before being downed by Southern Illinois University linebacker Colin Bohanek (16) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University head coach Kalani Sitake talks with an official during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) evades Southern Illinois University linebacker Chris Presto (6) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is downed by Southern Illinois University cornerback Sebastian Vargas (13) after making a catch during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University players looks to block a field goal from Southern Illinois University place kicker Paul Geelen (97) during BYU's home opener held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University running back Hinckley Ropati (7) runs with the ball during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Brigham Young University quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass during BYU's home opener against Southern Illinois University held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
That was defensive lineman John Nelson's sentiment as well. How could a coach who can hold his own in the weight room with guys half his age be afflicted with heart issues?
"Yeah, we came in and got the news yesterday. We were all kind of really shocked and surprised. He is super active and always involved in all we do," Nelson said. "So to get that news of him going through that was devastating to say the least. A lot of guys, offense and defense, rallied around the idea that he pours his heart and soul into this program and believes in us, so we play our hearts out for him.
"He wanted us to not play the game any different, or anything crazy. Just go out and play and do your thing. It was good to have that. I reminded the boys while we were playing that we had a special circumstance that was going on," Nelson continued. "It was a little bit of a setback, but I was proud of the boys, how we got through it."
Sitake said he got a call from Hill's wife, Sara, on Thursday night and she calmly told him that Hill had had a heart attack.
"That was hard for me to hear," Sitake said. "All I cared about was, 'Is he OK? Is my friend OK?'"
Turns out, Hill already had a defensive coaches meeting planned for Friday morning, although he wasn't planning to be there because his son, Jacob, was running in a race and he didn't want to miss it.
"It was a huge scare. I am glad they were able to get him on the right path and take care of him to recovery, but he didn't really care about that," Sitake said. "He was all about the game. When I was like, 'Hey Jay, just take care of yourself,' he was like, 'No, we are going to be fine.'"
Sitake said Hill didn't want the attention, and still doesn't.
"But people love him," Sitake said. "How can you not when he is such a good person? So, on behalf of him, I want to tell everyone 'thank you' for caring about him and praying for him. It worked, and he's doing great right now."
Regarding Hill being on the headset Saturday night, it was a group effort calling the plays and linebackers coach Justin Ena contributed as well.
"I think when (SIU) made plays, somebody else called it," Sitake joked. "If I called it (all), we would have had a shutout."
