Many Jewish athletes have left their mark on American sports over the years. Sandy Koufax is considered the greatest-ever Jewish sportsman and enjoys legendary status in the world of baseball. Koufax famously refused to pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series in order to observe Yom Kippur before returning for the future games and earning himself his second World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Jewish players have brought much joy to the masses, including in the NFL, American Football’s most-prestigious league. There are a handful of Jewish stars among the current NFL rosters; these are three such players to look out for this season.
Greg Joseph – Minnesota Vikings
Of all the Jewish players frequenting the NFL, Greg Joseph enjoys the most game time. The 28-year-old is a placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has surprised many NFL fans this season. The Vikings were expected to struggle in 2022, but with Joseph’s help, they are much fancied with the best Alabama sports betting sites online.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Joseph moved to Florida in 2001 when he was only seven years old. Joseph is a devout Jew and stated that Judaism has “absolutely guided him through life.” he played college football for Florida Atlantic, where he enjoyed a 97.1% extra point conversion rate and a 69.5% field goal conversion rate. Joseph was responsible for 336 points across four seasons.
Joseph went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but has since played for the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and now the Minnesota Vikings. In his professional career, Joseph has scored 126 points, thanks to a 90% extra point and 83.3% field goal conversion rate.
A.J. Dillon – Green Bay Packers
A.J. Dillion, or Algiers Jameal William Dillon Jr to give him his full name, is a 24-year-old running back for the Green Bay Packers. Dillon began showcasing his skills in high school and was the stand-out offensive player for the New London High School. He initially committed to the University of Michigan before signing for Boston College.
In his three seasons with Boston College, Dillion broke the program’s record for yards rushed, rushing touchdowns scored, and total touchdowns. Despite these impressive feats, Dillon was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, with the Green Bay Packers selecting him 62nd overall.
Dillon played 11 games during his rookie season and 17 the following year, although he only started twice. So far in 2022, Dillion has taken to the field eight times, made 355 yards from 87 carries, and scored one touchdown. The future is bright for Dillon.
Anthony Firkser – Atlanta Falcons
Anthony Firkser is a tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. Firkser was born in the Manalapan Township in New Jersey and belonged to the Temple Shaari Emeth, where he celebrated his bar mitzvah.
He was a multi-sport athlete during high school but settled on playing American Football before being recruited by Harvard University. Firkser juggled his academic studies with playing football to a high level and graduated in 2017 with a degree in applied mathematics. He has stated he plans to pursue a career as an actuary when his football career ends.
Firkser went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft but joined the New York Jets’ practice team but was waived after a few months. It was a similar story with the Kansas City Chiefs before the Tennessee Titans. He went on to play 58 times for the Titans, receiving 1,107 yards and scoring five touchdowns.
He signed for the Atlanta Falcons in April 2022 and has played five games so far. The Falcons’ head coach has utilized Firkser sporadically; something Firk
