Jewish Super Bowl Player Works as a Role Model for Young Jewish Children

Millions of people watch the Super Bowl every year. Some for the thrill of the game and others just for the commercials. In recent years, the New England Patriots have brought Julian Edelman to the Super Bowl, and he is the first Jew to win Super Bowl MVP, but this year, the Patriots did not even make it past round one of the playoffs. This year, there will be a different Jewish player on the field. 30 year old Mitchell Schwartz, offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs will be hitting the field on Sunday for Super Bowl LIV.

Growing up in Southern California he went to a conservative synagogue with his parents and brother, Geoff, who also plays in the NFL. They are the first Jewish brothers to play professional football since the 1920’s. Aside from his religion, Mitch is the highest rated lineman in the league and has not missed a snap since he was picked up by the Chiefs in 2016. Before football, he found himself pitching for his school’s baseball team. He said it was a kind of chess match, figuring out what the hitter was looking for and delivering something completely different. But at 6’5” and well over 300 pounds, he feels perfectly at home playing right tackle in Kansas City.

 

Speaking on his religion in games he said being in the less than half a percent of NFL Players in history really puts a burden on him to be a role model to young, Jewish kids growing up wanting to play. “It was important to share my story, for Jewish kids, and in general,” he said to a reporter from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. This week, he has been gearing up for what for many players is the culmination of their career. He faces off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

 

 

Sources:

Kansas City Star, Gridiron Chef Chief: Way of life makes Mitchell Schwartz special on field

Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Meet Mitchell Schwartz, the Jewish Kansas City Chiefs lineman heading to Superbowl LIV