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 

SPORTS
ON THE COVER

