In a story that seems almost too cinematic to be true, Sam Salz stands out on the Texas A&M football field - not just for his kippah and tzitzit, but for his unwavering determination and faith.
Before joining the Aggies, Salz, a 5-foot-6 Orthodox Jewish athlete, attended Kohelet Yeshiva High School in Philadelphia, a Modern Orthodox school with about 100 students that didn't have a football team.
His path to joining the Aggies reads like a modern-day sports fable. After attending a radio show hosted by then-coach Jimbo Fisher, Salz wrote himself an inspirational note: "I made the Texas A&M football team this year. I became the first Orthodox Jew in college football." He carried this note everywhere, reading it multiple times daily for motivation.
Without professional equipment, Salz improvised his training regimen, turning worn-out shoes into agility cones and using trash bins to mark the line of scrimmage. His dedication caught the attention of his future teammates, who noticed him practicing alone on a nearby field.
He boldly approached then-head coach Jimbo Fisher, declaring, "I'm Sam Salz and I'm going to walk on to your football team." His determination paid off when he successfully walked onto the Division I program as a sophomore in 2022.
Salz, who chose jersey number 39 to represent the 39 categories of work forbidden on Shabbat, primarily serves on the scout team, helping the Aggies prepare for opponents during practice. The team accommodates his religious observance by exempting him from Shabbat activities and providing kosher food options, including a dedicated microwave in the team facility.
This spiritual connection extends to his game day routine: when matches fall on Shabbat, he prepares by dropping off his meals and Torah books beforehand, then walks two miles to the stadium to join after sundown.
"When the game is on Shabbat, I'm not there. If the game is after Shabbat, I'm there," says Salz, whose commitment has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates.
His first game appearance came during his senior night, with 42 seconds remaining. Despite never having practiced kickoffs recently or played in an organized game before, Salz took the field for his historic snap.
The 21-year-old Orthodox Jewish wide receiver has managed to blend his religious commitments with college football, creating his own unique playbook for success: He currently balances his football commitments with daily visits to the campus Chabad for kosher meals and religious study.
The Philadelphia native and Kohelet Yeshiva alumnus has found an unexpected haven at Texas A&M, where he reports feeling safe as a Jewish student. "It's probably one of the only campuses in the country where you can go and feel safe as a Jew," he notes, adding that his religious practices often spark curious, respectful conversations with his Christian teammates.
On November 16, Salz made his debut in the Aggies' 38-3 victory over New Mexico State, appearing in one kickoff play in the fourth quarter after Shabbat had ended. While his on-field playing time may be limited, his impact extends far beyond the gridiron.
Currently studying economics but aspiring to become a rabbi, Salz embodies a powerful message about religious conviction and athletic ambition. "I am lucky, but it's also determination, and God's help, that brought me to where I wanted to go. I want people to know that they should be proud Jews and that your Jewishness should never stop you from doing what you want to do."
In an era where antisemitism on college campuses has become increasingly concerning, Salz's story proves that although it's definitely both not common, traditional religious observance and modern athletic pursuits can indeed go hand in hand.
JTA and JNS contributed to this article.
