M
ica Gelb is starting his fourth season on the
University of Michigan football team.
He didn’t play much in his first three years and
probably won’t play much this year, but the 6-foot-5, 288-
pound senior offensive lineman from Washington, D.C., has
a unique role on the team.
“I’ve been the only practicing Jewish player on the team in
my four years at U-M,” he said.
In that role, Gelb has talked with several teammates who
had never met a Jew, answered tons of questions about
Jewish practices and culture, and corrected stereotypes.
This practicing Jewish player on
the U-M football team fasts on Yom
Kippur, keeps kosher on Passover,
and has a passion for strength and
conditioning.
STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
28 | SEPTEMBER 15 • 2022
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