Meet Your Jewish NFL All-Stars: Class Of 2014

The NFL is up and running (no pun intended) this week, leaving many of us suddenly excited for Thursdays and Sundays again. Although the season has hardly started, predictions as to who’s going to to walk away the victors of this year’s Super Bowl has everyone talking. While we don’t know whose favorite team is going to win, we do know some of the Jewish players you should keep an eye on this season.

So throw on your jersey, grab a beer, and meet this year’s Jewish NFL All-Stars.

Player: Brian de la Puente

Team: Chicago Bears

Position: Center

Born on May 13th, 1985, in L.A. to a Jewish family, Brian de la Puente has been playing football competitively since he attended San Clemente High School. Although he played a variety of sports while he was in school, there was only one he became truly passionate about. Puente has played on a variety of teams, including the 49ers, Seahawks, and even the New Orlean Saints.

Player: Erik Lorig

Team: Fullback

Position: New Orleans Saints

Of Jewish and Scandinavian descent, this football star was born on November 17th, 1986, in Rolling Hills, California. He played competitively in high school for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where he won several awards and accolades for his skills in the sport. He played during college and was eventually drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 draft by the Buccaneers. He now plays with the Saints, despite having to take time off due to an injury. He’ll be playing as a blocking back, which he’s quite exceptional at. What’s most intriguing, however, is that he caught 23 passes, including one for a touchdown, in the last two seasons.

Player: Taylor Mays

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Position: Safety

Taylor Mays began playing football from an early age. Born on February 7th, 1988, this player fast became a favorite of the NFL. He began his career playing college football for the University of Southern California, which he attended on athletic scholarship, and was then selected in the second round of the 2010 draft by the 49ers. He’s a three time college All-American, and his own brother, Parker, is even gearing up to follow in his footsteps, a freshman at University of San Diego.

Player: Mitchell Schwartz

Team: Cleveland Browns

Position: Offensive Tackle

Born on June 8th, 1989, and raised in a conservative Jewish family in Pacific Palisades, California, Schwartz (whose Hebrew name is Mendel), didn’t get into football until he was already in high school. He went on to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he got a degree in American Studies while also playing for his school. His brother also plays for the NFL.

Player: Geoff Schwartz

Team: The New York Giants

Position: Offensive Guard

During his time in high school, this Schwartz brother was involved in several sports, including basketball and baseball in addition to football. He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, and was a round seven pick in the 2008 draft where he was signed on by the Carolina Panthers. He’s currently with the New York Giants, however he has been placed on injured reserve.

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