Financial Advisor, Writer, Zionist, American Patriot and Conservative
Meet Sam Salz, the first Orthodox Jewish college football player in NCAA History
Left; The writer Joseph Scutts with Sam Salz. Right Top; A picture of Texas A&M College football player Sam Salz wearing Tefillin (photo courtesy of Texas A&M), Middle Right; Sam Salz in uniform at a Texas A&M Game (photo courtesy of Texas A&M), Bottom Right; Sam Salz posing for a picture (photo courtesy of Sam Salz)
This past week, I had the opportunity of meeting a young Orthodox Jewish man who has left a long lasting impact in the world of College Football sports. Sam Salz is a former Texas A&M University football player whose remarkable journey to Division I college football is a story of perseverance, faith, and determination. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Salz attended Kohelet Yeshiva High School, a Modern Orthodox Jewish school that did not have a football program. Despite never having played organized football, he developed a passion for the sport and set his sights on playing at the collegiate level.
After arriving at Texas A&M, Salz pursued his dream by independently training near the Aggies’ football practice facilities. For nearly a year, he consistently worked on his skills, demonstrating his commitment and determination to earn an opportunity. His persistence eventually paid off, and he joined the Texas A&M football program as a walk-on in 2022.
Salz’s story was particularly unique because he maintained his commitment to Orthodox Judaism while competing in a major college football program. As a Sabbath-observant Jewish athlete, he observed Shabbat from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, meaning he could not participate in Saturday football games. He wore a kippah beneath his helmet, tzitzit underneath his uniform, and chose jersey No. 39 in recognition of the 39 categories of work prohibited on Shabbat.
In November 2024, Salz achieved a major milestone when he made his Division I football debut against New Mexico State, appearing on special teams. He became widely recognized as the first known Orthodox Jewish player to compete in NCAA Division I football.
Despite already accomplishing something extraordinary at the collegiate level, Salz is not finished pursuing his football dreams. He is continuing to work toward his ultimate goal of reaching the National Football League (NFL). Through ongoing training, dedication to improving his athletic ability, and a relentless commitment to the game, Salz is determined to give himself an opportunity to compete at the professional level.
His journey from never having played organized football to earning a spot at Texas A&M and making his Division I debut demonstrates the persistence and determination he hopes to carry into the next chapter of his football career. For Salz, reaching the NFL would represent another milestone in a journey built on refusing to give up on a dream. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Salz’s journey has become an inspiring example of pursuing ambitious goals without compromising personal beliefs and values. His experience demonstrates that determination, consistency, and faith can help overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
As I spoke to Sam at a Young Jewish Professionals Event in Jersey City hosted by Mesorah this past week, I asked him, ‘What is the most important thing that you want people to know about your life story?” He answered with full conviction, “I want people to understand that my life story is their life story. I want them to see that they can accomplish anything and that Hashem is always going to be with them on their path. When you have good intentions and want to do the right thing with the best of intentions and put the work in, Hashem will make it happen.” I asked Sam a follow up question, “What are your future aspirations for the road ahead?” Sam answered, “I am currently working on making it to the NFL and am also on my journey to become a motivational speaker. What I really want for the young professional world to understand is that they have a rich history behind them and the rich rules and teachings of the Torah. If there is one thing that I could say it would be that I lived a whole life at the end of my life and have always understood and appreciated what Hashem has given me.”
Today, Salz’s story serves as an inspiration to athletes, students, and organizations through its messages of perseverance, religious identity, leadership, and staying true to one’s principles. As he continues working toward his NFL aspirations, he hopes to show others that unconventional paths and challenging circumstances do not have to stand in the way of achieving extraordinary goals.
Related Topics
