The Gridiron's Chosen Few: 5 Active Jewish Players To Watch In The 2025 NFL Season
The presence of Jewish athletes in the National Football League, while small in number, has always been a point of pride and fascination for fans of the sport. As of the current 2025 season, a handful of talented players proudly represent their Jewish heritage on the gridiron, continuing a legacy that stretches back to the league's earliest days with Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman. This season features a mix of veteran offensive linemen, a powerful running back, a journeyman quarterback, and a South African kicker, all contributing to their respective teams.
The journey of a Jewish player in the NFL often involves balancing the demands of professional football with cultural identity, a narrative that adds a layer of depth to their on-field performance. From players who grew up in Jewish day schools to those who have publicly embraced their ancestry later in life, the following list details the most notable Jewish players to track during the 2025 NFL campaign, highlighting their current teams and unique stories.
The Active Jewish Players on 2025 NFL Rosters
The 2025 season showcases several key players with Jewish roots, spanning various positions and teams. Their status—whether on the active roster or practice squad—makes them the torchbearers of Jewish representation in the league today.
A.J. Dillon: The Power Back with Deep Roots
- Position: Running Back (RB)
- Current Team (2025): Philadelphia Eagles
- Biography Snapshot:
- Born: May 2, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland
- College: Boston College
- Draft: 2nd Round, 62nd overall, 2020 (Green Bay Packers)
- Nickname: "Quadzilla" (due to his large quads)
A.J. Dillon, known for his bruising running style and massive physique, is one of the most prominent Jewish players in the league. His Jewish ancestry comes from his mother's side of the family, and he has spoken openly about his upbringing, which included attending Hebrew school and observing Jewish holidays. Dillon has embraced his unique identity as a Jew of color in the NFL, often discussing his "Jewish journey" and connection to the Hendel family. After spending his initial years with the Green Bay Packers, the powerful running back signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2025 season, bringing his punishing style to a new offense.
Greg Joseph: The South African Kicker
- Position: Placekicker (K)
- Current Team (2025): Las Vegas Raiders (Practice Squad)
- Biography Snapshot:
- Born: August 4, 1994, in Johannesburg, South Africa
- College: Florida Atlantic
- NFL Debut: 2018 (Miami Dolphins)
- Notable Teams: Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings
Greg Joseph's path to the NFL is one of the most compelling. Born in South Africa, he immigrated to Florida with his family in 2001 and attended the Donna Klein Jewish Academy, a Jewish day school. This background gave him a strong foundation in his faith, which he proudly carries into his professional career. As of the 2025 season, Joseph is with the Las Vegas Raiders, signed to their practice squad, providing a reliable veteran option for the team's kicking needs. His presence highlights the global reach of the Jewish community in professional sports.
Josh Rosen: The Quarterback Journey
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Current Team (2025): Cleveland Browns
- Biography Snapshot:
- Born: February 10, 1997, in Torrance, California
- College: UCLA
- Draft: 1st Round, 10th overall, 2018 (Arizona Cardinals)
- Heritage: Paternal side is Jewish
A former top-ten draft pick, Josh Rosen has had a nomadic career, but his Jewish heritage remains a constant part of his identity. His paternal grandfather was Jewish, and Rosen has been noted as one of the few Jewish quarterbacks in modern NFL history. For the 2025 season, Rosen is on the roster of the Cleveland Browns, continuing his journey to establish himself in the league, often serving as a reliable backup option.
Jake Curhan and Michael Dunn: The Offensive Line Anchors
The trenches of the NFL are represented by two Jewish offensive linemen who provide critical depth and veteran experience to their teams in 2025.
- Jake Curhan: Offensive Tackle (OT)
- Current Team (2025): Carolina Panthers
- Status: Signed a contract with the Panthers during the 2025 season, providing versatility on the offensive line.
- Michael Dunn: Offensive Lineman (OL)
- Current Team (2025): Los Angeles Chargers
- Status: A versatile interior lineman, Dunn is listed on the Chargers' roster for the 2025 campaign, continuing his role as a valuable depth piece.
The Enduring Legacy: Jewish Legends Who Defined the NFL
The current roster of Jewish players stands on the shoulders of giants. The history of the NFL is sprinkled with Jewish athletes who were not just participants, but innovators and champions, setting records and influencing the game's evolution.
Sid Luckman: The Architect of the Modern Quarterback
No discussion of Jewish NFL players is complete without Sid Luckman. Born in Brooklyn to Jewish immigrants, Luckman became a legend for the Chicago Bears. He is widely credited as the first successful quarterback to master the T-formation, a revolutionary offensive scheme. Luckman led the Bears to four NFL Championships between 1939 and 1950 and was a three-time All-Pro. His impact on the quarterback position is foundational, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Julian Edelman: The Super Bowl MVP
In the modern era, Julian Edelman became one of the most recognizable and successful Jewish athletes in the history of American professional football. The former New England Patriots wide receiver and punt returner was named Super Bowl LIII MVP, a remarkable achievement. Edelman, whose father is Jewish, publicly embraced his heritage later in his career, often tweeting about Jewish holidays and even traveling to Israel. His vocal pride in his ancestry made him a significant cultural figure, inspiring many Jewish football fans.
More Notable Jewish Entities in NFL History
Beyond the Hall of Famers, a long list of Jewish athletes have carved out successful careers, contributing to the league's rich history and demonstrating the diversity of talent. These figures further solidify the topical authority of the Jewish presence in the NFL:
- Harris Barton: A four-time Super Bowl champion offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Mitchell Schwartz: An All-Pro offensive tackle, he was a key anchor for the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV-winning team.
- Lyle Alzado: A fierce defensive lineman known for his intensity, who played for the Raiders and Browns.
- Jay Fiedler: A notable journeyman quarterback who spent five seasons as the starter for the Miami Dolphins.
- Nate Ebner: A three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, known primarily for his special teams excellence.
- Anthony Firkser: A tight end who has been a consistent presence in the league for several years.
- Ed Newman: A Pro Bowl guard for the Miami Dolphins who played in three Super Bowls.
- Benny Friedman: A Hall of Fame quarterback from the early days of the league (1927–1934).
The journey of a Jewish player in the NFL is a testament to perseverance and pride, serving as a powerful counter-narrative to the perception of a league dominated by a singular demographic. From the foundational legacy of Sid Luckman and the modern superstardom of Julian Edelman to the current contributions of players like A.J. Dillon and Greg Joseph, these athletes continue to make their mark on American professional football. Their stories are a reminder that the love of the game and the drive for excellence transcend cultural boundaries, enriching the NFL experience for fans worldwide in the 2025 season and beyond.
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