The barrier has been broken. Never before has an Orthodox college football player made an appearance in a Division I game until Nov. 16, when Sam Salz, a wide receiver on the roster at Texas A&M, made an appearance on the kickoff team in the closing minute of the Aggies’ 38-3 win over New Mexico State.
“I’m so thankful that they put me in,” Salz told the IJN. “It’s really amazing on a cultural level for a team to do that. The older players, and the starters, recognize and appreciate the work that we all put in.
“It was a nice reward.”
The IJN introduced Salz in its Sept. 6 edition, after an appearance at Aish of the Rockies.
Salz, from Philadelphia, studies economics at A&M. He has been on the school’s roster as a walk-on for three seasons — despite never having played organized football before — practicing every week with the team, in hopes of seeing game action.
Due to Shabbat, when most college games are played, Salz is unable to travel to most road games, and is only able to compete in a game after sundown on Saturday night.
The game against New Mexico State was senior night at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Salz is in his junior year of athletic eligibility, but this is his fourth year of college, so he was included in the pre-game festivities, with his father, Edward, in attendance.
“I have one more season, G-d willing,” said Salz, “so maybe I’ll be included in senior night again.”
After a touchdown gave the Aggies their 38-3 lead with :42 seconds left, Salz heard some friendly yelling from his position coach, Holmon Wiggins.
“I hear, ‘Sam, Sam, it’s your time.’”
Salz, officially listed as a wide receiver, was inserted in the kickoff team.
“I haven’t repped kickoffs in over a year-and-a-half,” said Salz.
“I’m thinking, ‘I can’t screw this up.’ It’s my first snap of football, ever.
“I absolutely could not false start.”
He kept repeating it to himself: “I cannot false start.”
To ensure that, Salz waited for a split second after the snap to start running. As it turns out, Salz didn’t need to make any tackles, as the kickoff resulted in a fair catch.
No matter, to the 5’ 6” Salz.
“There wasn’t really anything that happened on the play,” Salz said, “but it was my introduction to football, and I’m very grateful for it.
“I went back to the sideline and all my teammates were hitting my helmet. All the coaches were congratulating me.
“It was a very positive experience.”
A&M has one game left on the regular season schedule, against the University of Texas. It is the first contest for the longtime bitter rivals as members of the Southeastern Conference since the Aggies left the Big 12 in 2012.
Salz would like to return to the Aggies for his official “senior” season.
“I’ve had my first taste, and now I have to keep improving,” said Salz.
“I know not everyone saw the play, but there are probably some kids who out there who were told they couldn’t play football on a physical level or whatever.
“Just me just being in there on that play and running down the field as a Division I SEC football player, could give some hope.
“I’m very, very thankful I got to do that. Hopefully, I can inspire the next generation.”
© IJN 2024
